Abuse Directed Towards Children and the Elderly Discussion 1 and Discussion 2

Victimization of the disabled, the mentally Ill and the Incarcerated Persons.

People with disabilities become more vulnerable and easy targets of victimization. The acts done to them include being stolen from as well as physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and even getting killed. (Office of Research and Public affairs, 2016). A 2009 review on victimization reported that the rates of victimization were 2.30- 140.4 times for severely mentally ill compare d to the general population, women being at more risk than men.(Office of Research and Public affairs, 2016).

The mentally ill, disabled as well as the incarcerated persons, are often targeted because of the shortcomings in defending themselves. A disabled individual may not have the strength to fight back. They also have low self-esteem and they may surrender to abuse hoping that they will become accepted. Most of them are depended on others and their caregivers may take advantage of their vulnerable situation. Some are blackmailed or threatened that they will abandoned making them give in. The severely mentally ill may not understand neither the harm nor consequences of the acts.

The criminal justice system can be frustrating to the disabled. First of all, there is very little literature on how to approach abuse on the disabled and the mentally ill. The processes that courts take to ensure justice is done can be quite hectic for the victim. Laws may be generalized as victimization, failing to acknowledge the fact that the victim has a disability A lot of money may be required that the victim may not have. Apart from court processes, those who understand that they are being victimized may not report due to low self-esteem as well as fear of having such information disclosed. Others may be willing to report but they lack the necessary support to enable them move ahead.

Every person, regardless of their abilities and mental conditions should be safe from all those around them. (American Psychological Association, 2012). Laws should be categorized to cater for the disabled and mentally ill, and they should not be subjected to strenuous court processes. The community should also be enlightened on the importance of protecting the vulnerable. Severe punishments should be put in place for the offenders. Those homeless should be put in government care homes and be given the care and protection they deserve.

Reference

Office of Research and Public affairs, (2016). Victimization and Serious Mental Illness.

American Psychological Association (2012). Elder Abuse Neglect.

Child and Elder Abuse

Child and elder abuse refers to any kind of harm inflicted on them by another person. The act could be single or repeated and it is done by those whom they have close relationship with or depend on, such as a spouse, parent, friend or neighbor. Such abuse have been mainly reported as family violence since they are mostly committed by family members. Paid caregivers have also been known to abuse them. Some of the types of abuse include: physical, psychological/emotional, elder finance abuse, sexual, neglect, abandonment and institutional abuse.

Research on child and elderly abuse has been faced by many challenges. Formulating a research requires both ethical and legal considerations. Other factors affecting include: disclosure of information, determining the right definition for the abuse, lack of standards for collective such information, research translation, lack of researchers and how to measure successful outcomes.

These victims are mostly vulnerable to abuse since they are many times unable to defend themselves. The consequences on the elderly can be more serious that the children since they are weaker and with brittle bones. (Etienne G. Krug et al, 2002). Incidences such as dysfunctional families and harsh neighborhoods, homelessness, recent bereavement make them vulnerable. The government should have strict punishment for the offenders and laws and rights should be clearly put in place to protect the vulnerable. The community should also be enlightened on protecting the vulnerable.

Inadequate literature on child and elder abuse hinders justice. In most cases the victim does not get the desired justice. For example, a case of sexual abuse case can be handled as just a sexual case, therefore neglecting the emphasis on a child or an elderly. If the same case is handled as just a child or elder abuse, the emphasis on sexual abuse is forgotten. It is therefore highly recommended that enough resources be put in place for the research on child and elderly abuse. Enough literature should be kept for reference when such cases arise. Easy and accessible ways to report and abuse case should be ensured. Every person, irregardless of age deserves to be safe from harm by those in close contact with. (American Psychological Association, 2012).

Reference

Etienne G. Krug et al. (2002). World Report on Violence and Health

American Psychological Association (2012). Elder Abuse Neglect