A violência contra idosos em Aracaju : um reflexo das modificações sociais da imagem de velhos em sociedades modernas.

Abstract

This study aims a reflection about the contemporary phenomenon of violence against the elderly. About this, the violence and, in particular, the violence against the elderly is not a recent phenomenon, not only found in modern societies. However, it is notable that in these societies where it appears that the social image of the elderly has become a more adverse impact, extremely negative, with a new configuration that supports a lot of prejudice, stigma and discrimination directed at the elderly. It is modern social image that is contributing to the increase in the devaluation of the elderly and their social representations, and as one of its main consequences raising practices of violence in this age group. The sample for this study included 265 elderly of both sexes, aged between 60 and 98 years old, living in the city of Aracaju/SE and that recorded or had recorded any complaint of violence in the Service Center to Vulnerable Groups (CAGV) in the year 2008. Were used as the basis of documentary research the official reports (B.O.) and police records of occurrence (RPO), and an instrument for data collection and information about the cases. It was found that violence occurs in most of the time indoors, in private, and family members as children, spouses, grandchildren and sons/daughters in law (54%) were the main responsible for the attacks. Regarding the "violence", the main records were moral violence (45%) and psychological violence (21%). The events are given more frequently among elderly women (68%). However, with increasing age, we found that older men are suffering more violence, with the same probability of occurrence that women from the age-range of 90 years of age. Widowhood (41%) also constitutes a risk factor for the elderly - especially for women - raising the possibility of experiencing violence. Most complaints have been made by the elderly (72%), contradicting the idea of "absolute victimization, thus linking the elderly with the traditional image of passive and helpless. Violence committed against the elderly has been increasingly in evidence in our current society, requiring researchers and public authorities more attention in understanding this phenomenon, and in promoting public policies aimed at the elderly and their families, preventing a larger number of violence.