Exploring Categories of Family Violence Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review.

Family violence may be experienced at any stage of the lifespan; however, these experiences are often understood differently based on the age of the victim and who perpetrates the abuse. The significance of age is evident in the three categories of child abuse, domestic and family violence (DFV), and elder abuse. Each of these categories has its own definition which determines who is considered a victim or a perpetrator, and the behaviors counted as violent and abusive. These definitions influence how practitioners view victim-survivors' experiences of violence, and the subsequent available responses. This article reports the findings of a scoping review of international literature published between 2011 and 2021, which explored how family violence is categorized and defined. The review was conducted as part of a larger study exploring how violence against women in intimate and family contexts is conceptualized and experienced, as well as the available responses. Forty-eight articles were included in the final review, and five categories of violence in family and intimate contexts were identified. These were child abuse, DFV, elder abuse, adolescent-to-parent violence, and sibling abuse. Comparison of definitions across categories found similarities in terms of the relationship between victim and perpetrator, behavior, intention, and harm caused to the victim. Review findings suggest that definitions of various forms of family violence do not differ greatly. Further research is needed to determine whether responses to family violence across the lifespan can and should be streamlined.

'You've Got No Support': The Experiences of Older Male Caregivers When Their Partner Enters Residential Care.

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the experiences and needs of eight older male caregivers after their partner entered full-time residential aged care within the past 36 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, thematically analyzed, and member-checked for accuracy. This transition was a time of significant turmoil for caregivers. Feelings of grief, loss, guilt, and regret were experienced, intertwined with feelings of relief and reassurance that their partner would be well cared for within the care facility. Following the transition, caregivers also began thinking about building a new life. Helpful supports identified were friends and family, carer support groups, counseling services, and community support organizations. Participants described a need for further emotional support, assistance in understanding their partner's prognosis, and information about the expenses involved in entering residential care. It was suggested there is also a role for professional advisors or peer mentors to support male caregivers through this transition. Tailoring programs and services with consideration of the needs and experiences of older male caregivers will ensure that policies and programs are more supportive and responsive.

The 'tipping point': Exploring the factors associated with entry into residential care for people with dementia in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: People with dementia usually prefer to live in the community. Research is needed to identify the 'tipping point' for residential care entry and to highlight how people with dementia can be supported to remain at home as long as possible. Few previous studies have examined caregivers' perceptions and explanations for the reasons people with dementia need to enter residential care in Australia. AIM: To explore the factors contributing to people with dementia entering residential care in Perth, Western Australia, from the perspectives of informal carers and care staff. METHOD: This phenomenological study used purposive sampling to recruit informal and formal caregivers of people with dementia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 family carers and 11 home care staff. Data were thematically analysed to identify individual, carer and contextual factors that impact on residential care entry. FINDINGS: The majority of participants identified a combination of factors as the 'tipping point' to residential care entry; a few also identified the cause as a sudden event or specific issue. Factors identified included deterioration related to worsening cognition, changed behaviours and a decline in the performance of activities of daily living; co-occurring health conditions; safety concerns; carer no longer able to meet care needs; impact of providing support becoming too much for the informal carer; lack of family or social support and needing assistance from services that were unavailable or inaccessible. Factors assisting people with dementia to remain living at home longer were family and social support, formal services and dog ownership. CONCLUSION: This study identified individual, carer and contextual factors that contribute to people with dementia entering residential care in Australia. The 'tipping point' was recognised as when the needs of a person with dementia outweigh the capacity of their informal and formal carers, services and supports to care for them.

Elder abuse protocols: identifying key features and establishing evidence for their use and effectiveness.

Written protocols may guide staff responses to elder abuse. Their effectiveness is unclear, as protocols are generally unevaluated. This project aimed to review, evaluate, and update the Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse: Western Australia's 2013 Protocol. A critical literature review identified key features of elder abuse protocols. Three focus groups (N = 19), and an online survey (N = 44) examined the usefulness and effectiveness of the 2013 Protocol and identified improvements. Seventy percent of survey respondents (n = 31) were familiar with the Protocol; all found it useful. Suggested updates included: example policies and resources; screening tools, signs, indicators, and guided risk assessment; further direction and training for front-line workers; and information about issues for diverse and vulnerable groups. An updated Protocol was developed and will be supported by stakeholder education. Ongoing maintenance is required in a changing service context, and future versions could be online and include features to support responses.

Addressing elder abuse in rural and remote communities: social policy, prevention and responses.

This article reports the findings of an international scoping literature review focussed on social policy, prevention, and service responses to elder abuse in rural and remote communities. Forty-seven articles were included in the review, and fourteen types of prevention or service responses were identified in the literature, including several Indigenous-specific initiatives. The review highlighted the need for meaningful inclusion of rural and remote communities in elder abuse policy, as well as the importance of community consultation and consideration of the local context in developing prevention and response initiatives for these communities.

Reviewing the extent of rural and remote considerations in elder abuse policy: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify national and international research and literature focussed on policy responses to elder abuse in rural and remote communities to generate recommendations for Australian responses. DESIGN: Scoping literature review. SETTING: Australia (some international policy also included). PARTICIPANTS: National and international elder abuse policy documents relating to rural and remote responses were reviewed. Seventy-two stakeholders were invited to contribute literature that may have been missed in the scoping review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Identification of the extent to which issues for rural and remote communities were discussed in elder abuse policy. RESULT: Of the 13 Australian policy documents reviewed, only four made mention of rural and remote communities, though this was generally only in regard to increase in vulnerability. No mention of these communities were identified in reviewed global policy. One document focussing on abuse in rural and remote Indigenous communities highlighted the importance of developing culturally appropriate responses hinged on community collaboration and consultation. CONCLUSION: Consideration of rural and remote communities in elder abuse policy is generally not meaningful. It is recommended that future policy development includes recognition of the distinct features of elder abuse in rural and remote communities, as well as how these features may impact on prevention and responses in these locations. These features include geographical isolation, lack of access to services and transportation, confidentiality and privacy issues, and the need for culturally sensitive approaches to address elder abuse for Indigenous people which take into account the impact of historical disenfranchisement.

A snapshot of intellectual disabilities in Lao PDR: Challenges for the development of services.

Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) has experienced significant economic growth in the last two decades. While access to education, health, and employment for people with disabilities has also improved markedly, people with intellectual disabilities are still among the most vulnerable in society. This article presents findings from a screening survey of 2469 participants, a focus group discussion with key stakeholders in intellectual disabilities, and a case study of the Association for Autism. The screening survey suggests 1.9% of working age participants (18-59) and 0.7% of children (6-17) have intellectual disabilities. The qualitative data illustrate poor understanding and stigmatization of people with intellectual disabilities, lack of services, and development of a parent association to improve the life prospects for children with autism and intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities in Lao PDR remain particularly vulnerable. Parents and other disability advocates are raising awareness and demonstrating the effectiveness of specialized services.