Violence in older people after the approval of the Older Adult Statute: an integrative review

Abstract

Violence is considered to be a serious public health problem and the Older Adult Statute is an important instrument in fighting violence against older people. This study constitutes an integrative review aimed at identifying the main factors regarding physical violence suffered by older people following approval of the Older Adult Statute in Brazil, in 2003. This period was chosen based on the fact that the approval of the Older Adult Statute is considered to be a legal milestone in public policy. Six articles were identified for analysis. Results show that the family is most often the abusive agent of the older adult, and the domestic environment is the place of greatest violence, with physical consequences resulting from this violence. Healthcare provided to older adults who have suffered from violence includes involving protective services against this type of abuse. The authors conclude that the promulgation of the Older Adult Statute contributed to the increase of awareness and information regarding violence against older people.

Descriptors: Aged; Violence; Public Health.