Detection of elder abuse: Exploring the potential use of the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index© by law enforcement in the field

J Elder Abuse Negl. 2018 Mar-May;30(2):103-126. doi: 10.1080/08946566.2017.1382413. Epub 2017 Nov 22.

Abstract

There are no known instruments to aid law enforcement officers in the assessment of elder abuse (EA), despite officers' contact with older adults. This study aimed to identify: 1) officers' perceptions and knowledge of EA, 2) barriers in detecting EA in the field, 3) characteristics officers value in a detection tool, and to explore 4) the potential for officers to use the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI)©. Data was collected from 69 Connecticut officers who confirmed that barriers to effectively detecting EA included a lack of EA detection instruments, as well as a lack of training on warning signs and risk factors. Officers indicated that the important elements of a desirable tool for helping to detect EA included ease of use, clear instructions, and information on follow-up resources. Approximately 80% of respondents could see themselves using the EASI

Keywords: Elder abuse; aging; detection; law enforcement; screening.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Crime Victims / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Elder Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Elder Abuse / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Law Enforcement*
  • Police / organization & administration*
  • Social Control, Formal
  • Surveys and Questionnaires