policy analysis

Annotated Bibliography: The Elder Justice Act (EJA)

Ja’Mya Wilburn

Department of Social Work, University of Kentucky

SW 630, Intro Soc Welfare, Policy & Services

Dr. Roberts

October 5, 2025

Annotated Bibliography: The Elder Justice Act (EJA)

Alias, A. N., Mokti, K., Ibrahim, M. Y., Saupin, S., & Madrim, M. F. (2023). Elderly Abuse and Neglect on Population Health: Literature Review and Interventions from Selected Countries. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 44(6), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0046

This article provides a mixture of elder abuse and neglect, examining global prevalence, risk factors, and intervention strategies in countries such as Malaysia, the United States, and Australia. It will help answer questions about the societal and policy-level responses to elder abuse and the effectiveness of current interventions. This article will also give me some insight and allow me to compare the Elder Justice Act passed in the USA in 2010 to other various countries and the steps they take to protect their older adults. A useful quote is, “Communities are regularly trained on how to report abuse or suspected incidents to local adult protective services (APS), long-term care ombudsmen, or the police. National Centers on Elder Abuse have been established in every state to enhance the national response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by assembling, housing, disseminating and to encourage cutting-edge validated methods of research, practice policy, and education.” (Alias et al., 2023, p. 317). The article’s comparative approach offers insights into effective international interventions and theoretical frameworks for understanding elder abuse and mistreatment

Nemati-Vakilabad, R., Khalili, Z., Ghanbari-Afra, L., & Mirzaei, A. (2023). The prevalence of elder abuse and risk factors: A cross-sectional study of community older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04307-0

This research from this particular article was done to discover forms of elderly abuse and analyze the risk involved with 500 older people in Ardabil (northwestern Iran). It will be used to answer questions regarding the rate of elder abuse, cultural factors, and the connection between family structure, chronic illness, and susceptibility to abuse. “Certain factors were linked to a higher severity of elder abuse, such as having a specific number of children (1–4 or 5), suffering from a chronic disease, and residing in an apartment. However, emotional neglect had the highest prevalence , while physical abuse had the lowest prevalence at (Nemati-Vakilabad et al., 2023, p. 3). The article critically examines the intersection of family structure, health conditions and social isolation to increase the risk of abuse. Its thorough statistical analysis and cross-cultural background make it especially helpful in exploring the ways in which social work interventions can be adjusted to prevent elderly abuse in a variety of settings and how some of these same protocols could be adopted in the U.S..

Kitaw, T. A., Baylie, A., Tekle, B. A., Tilahun, B. D., Getie, A., Abate, B. B., Feleke, S. F., Zemariam, A. B., Azmeraw, M., Yilak, G., Seid, S., & Haile, R. N. (2025). Elder abuse without borders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23548-9

This article provides a global analysis of elder abuse, identifying its prevalence, forms, and regional variations across 35 countries. It will help answer questions about how socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional factors influence elder mistreatment and guide effective prevention strategies. A useful quote is, “The global prevalence of 27.6% underscores elder abuse as a critical public health issue, but this figure likely underestimates the true extent due to underreporting, stigma, and dependency on abusers (Kitaw et al., 2025, p. 7). The results of the study indicate that improved reporting mechanisms, employee training and policy changes are required to safeguard the elderly.

American Psychological Association. (2022, November 10). Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help, and report mistreatment. Apa.org; American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/aging-older-adults/elder-abuse

This article discusses different forms of elder abuse. It will help answer questions about risk factors, signs of mistreatment, and effective strategies for prevention and intervention. “Approximately one in ten people aged 60 and older who live at home experience abuse, including mistreatment and exploitation” (American Psychological Association, 2022, p. 1). The article highlights how caregiver stress, social isolation, and cultural attitudes can perpetuate abuse while offering practical guidance for recognizing and reporting it. Its comprehensive overview and clear prevention strategies make it a valuable source for examining the social work role in identifying, reporting, and addressing elder abuse through education, community outreach, and caregiver support initiatives.

Sun, X., & Yan, Z. (2025). Social networks reshape the impact of elder abuse on social well-being: a national longitudinal analysis of urban-rural disparities in China. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2523591

This article explores how elder abuse affects social well-being across urban and rural areas around the world , emphasizing the mediating role of social networks. It will help answer questions about how social context and access to support influence recovery and resilience after mistreatment. I could continue to explore the differences in the U.S regarding elder abuse and reiterate how the U.S has taken certain protocols for those who have been affected by elder abuse.”Decrease in the friend contact network and the relative emotional network were related to diminished social well-being among rural elder abuse victims” (Sun & Yan, 2025, p. 334). The authors used longitudinal data from over 7,000 older adults to compare the effects of neglect, financial, and psychological abuse. Their findings challenge conventional assumptions by showing that, under certain conditions, expanded social and community support can mitigate negative outcomes. This comprehensive study provides valuable insight into how cultural values, urbanization, and access to home- and community-based services affect the lived experiences of elder abuse survivors.

Blance-Palmer, R., Klaic, M., Rushford, H., Celeste, T., & Joubert, L. (2025). Elder abuse: a scoping review of the hospital social work role. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2554115

This article explores the vital role of hospital social workers in identifying and responding to elder abuse, emphasizing their contributions within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. It will help answer how social workers assess needs, conduct screenings, and coordinate support for at risk older adults. “Psychosocial assessments are important, and service linkages are a key role of the social worker” (Blance-Palmer et al., 2025, p. 13). The study notes challenges such as limited research on hospital interventions and differences across healthcare systems. Its findings show how training and policy changes can improve hospital responses to elder abuse through stronger detection, documentation, and teamwork.

Giraldo-Rodríguez, L., Agudelo-Botero, M., & Rojas-Russell, M. E. (2024). Elder Abuse and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Loneliness in Older Adults. Archives of Medical Research, 55(6), 103045–103045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103045

In this study, the focus is on the mediating role played by loneliness in measuring the association between elderly abuse (EA) and levels of depressive symptoms. This will allow me to respond to questions regarding the psychological effect of EA, the influence of social isolation, and which types of abuse lead to depression the most. A useful quote is, “Older people who experience EA are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and vulnerability as a result of their health condition and their social and family environment” (Giraldo-Rodríguez et al., 2024, p. 7). The article is rich with information on the prevalence of various forms of abuse, the association with loneliness and depression, and the relevance of specific social work interventions. It draws attention to the interplay of social, physical and psychological factors to influence older adults.

Primc, T., Mihelič, K., & Lobnikar, B. (2025). Analysis of the Need for Safe Houses for Victims of Elder Abuse from the Perspective of Police Officers and Social Workers. Social Sciences, 14(4), 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040192

This study explores professionals’ perceptions of elder abuse, response measures, and challenges in addressing abuse in Slovenia. It will assist provide responses on professional awareness, intervention strategies, systemic gaps in responding to elder abuse. “Social workers consistently rated all assistance forms as more necessary than police officers, highlighting the importance of specialized services” (Primc et al., 2025, p. 14). The research indicates variations in professional attitudes, the extent of the type of abuse, and effective collaboration practices. The results of its activities assist in discovering problems in rural communities, enhancing training initiatives, and informing policies on how to safeguard old age and secure safe living conditions.

Overview of paper

My paper will address elder abuse, including physical, mental, and financial mistreatment of older individuals, and policy remedies such as the Elder Justice Act of 2010. The focus will be on how federal and state interventions, reporting systems, and community activities safeguard vulnerable older persons while considering implementation and enforcement challenges.

History of the Problem

I will emphasize the identification of elder abuse as a social and health issue. When state-level Adult Protective Services programs were developed in the 1970s, elder abuse became a public health and social issue. The 2010 Elder Justice Act, the first federal law against elder mistreatment, was crucial. I will also discuss the National Center on Elder Abuse and its role in influencing state awareness, training, and reporting processes to contextualize the expanding federal role in safeguarding older individuals.

Clarification of the Problem

The policy addresses elder abuse, which affects one in ten 60-year-olds (APA, 2022). In familial and caregiver situations, when older individuals are most reliant, neglect, psychological abuse, and financial exploitation occur. Nemati-Vakilabad et al. (2023) identified chronic disease, social isolation, and caregiver stress as risk factors for the condition. Policymakers prioritize systemic protection and coordinated responses by defining elder abuse as a social and health problem.

Conflicting Social Values in Legislation

Social principles in elder abuse policy reconcile older persons' autonomy and society's duty to protect the vulnerable. For instance, mandatory reporting regulations can raise concerns about privacy and autonomy, despite many policies promoting personal dignity and independence (Blance-Palmer et al., 2025). Additionally, policies emphasize safety, fairness, and equality; however, political and cultural beliefs influence how nations fund, prioritize, and enforce these initiatives.

Policy Effectiveness

Research reveals that elder abuse policies, particularly the Elder Justice Act, have boosted awareness, reporting, and professional training (Alias et al., 2023). However, underreporting, financing, and state-specific implementation of Adult Protective Services limit efficacy. Studies also show that safe houses, caregiver assistance, and multidisciplinary teams are helpful but inconsistently available (Prince et al., 2025). Although progress has been made, policy outcomes show that elder abuse is still common and requires greater institutional responses.

References

Alias, A. N., Mokti, K., Ibrahim, M. Y., Saupin, S., & Madrim, M. F. (2023). Elderly abuse and neglect on population health: Literature review and interventions from selected countries. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 44(6), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0046

American Psychological Association. (2022, November 10). Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help, and report mistreatment. Apa.org; American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/aging-older-adults/elder-abuse

Blance-Palmer, R., Klaic, M., Rushford, H., Celeste, T., & Joubert, L. (2025). Elder abuse: a scoping review of the hospital social work role. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2554115

Giraldo-Rodríguez, L., Agudelo-Botero, M., & Rojas-Russell, M. E. (2024). Elder abuse and depressive symptoms: The mediating role of loneliness in older adults. Archives of Medical Research, 55(6), 103045–103045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103045

Kitaw, T. A., Baylie, A., Tekle, B. A., Tilahun, B. D., Getie, A., Abate, B. B., Feleke, S. F., Zemariam, A. B., Azmeraw, M., Yilak, G., Seid, S., & Haile, R. N. (2025). Elder abuse without borders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23548-9

Nemati-Vakilabad, R., Khalili, Z., Ghanbari-Afra, L., & Mirzaei, A. (2023). The prevalence of elder abuse and risk factors: A cross-sectional study of community older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04307-0

Primc, T., Mihelič, K., & Lobnikar, B. (2025). Analysis of the need for safe houses for victims of elder abuse from the perspective of police officers and social workers. Social Sciences, 14(4), 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040192

Sun, X., & Yan, Z. (2025). Social networks reshape the impact of elder abuse on social well-being: a national longitudinal analysis of urban-rural disparities in China. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2523591

For this assignment, you are conducting a succinct Policy Analysis.

· Remember, social policy is a response to a social problem (or a perceived social problem – not everyone will agree that something is a “problem). As such, to develop an understanding of social welfare policy, you must first develop an understanding of the problem(s) the policy is trying to address. This paper allows you to explore the problem and the policy response.

· An example to help with this clarification: in 2022 and 2023 we saw a huge uptick in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the United States. This included local and state level policies that ban drag shows, books, gender affirming treatment for trans youth, and more. As such, a “problem” has been defined by those who have pushed for these bills. So, if you were exploring Tennesses’s most recent anti-trans policy, you would have to look at/understand the “problem” that the legislation is trying to address as well as looking at/understanding how people are harmed/marginalized by the way that the “problem” has been defined.

· In your policy analysis assignment you will need to critically explore how problems are discussed/defined.

· Ensure that you are connecting the social problem you discuss to policy – we are defining policy as a specific piece of legislation at the federal, state, or local level. This paper requires you to assess an actual policy. so you're looking for the legislation that has been enacted as a response to the social problem. Programs are created by legislation but you're not doing an evaluation of the program, rather you're looking at the legislation itself.

· It is also important to remember that you must look at policy that has been enacted for this assignment. You will not be able to complete this assignment with something that was introduced but not enacted. In some cases, you may be looking at one part of a larger policy – e.g. one component of the Affordable Care Act, the Personal Responsibility And Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, etc. Work with your instructor to ensure you’ve selected an appropriate and “doable” topic for this paper.

YOUR 5-7 PAGE PAPER WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

· Title Page: Follow the guidelines for student papers

· Introduction  : Summarize the overall focus of your paper and provide your reader with a roadmap/outlineof your discussion.  In your introduction you should clearly identify both the problem and the policy response.

· Body

· The content (i.e., body of the paper) should address the following areas.

1. History and Context of the Social Problem

· What is the problem/how is it defined/who defines it as such?  Is there disagreement about whether or not there is a problem?  How is it defined?  Explain.

· Provide facts and data that describe the problem.

· What, if any, conflicting social values and beliefs are at play in how the problem is viewed/understood? Are some values minimized while others figure prominently in the way the problem is described to the public/to policy makers?

· Who is affected by the problem?  Are any groups disproportionately affected?  Explore/Explain.

2. Power Imbalance and Struggle

· Who loses from this social problem?

· Who gains from this social problem?

· Who opposes/supports this alleviation of the problem?

· As related to the problem, what is the balance of power?

3. Public Reaction

·  Explore how voters react to this problem - are there differences based on age, income, gender, religious preference, political affiliation, etc.

· Explore how the media covers and portrays the issue?

4. Public Policy

· What is the public policy that responds to this social issue?

I. Describe the policy - when implemented, by whom, at what level, etc.

II. Has the policy changed since it was implemented?  How?  Legislative?  Judicial?  Administrative?

· What are the objectives of the policy and how are those reflective of values/beliefs?

· Are there hidden agendas?

· Who is in support of/opposition to the policy?  (What groups have spoken out to support and/or protest the policy?)

5. Policy Implementation and Impact

· What programs have been implemented as a result of the policy? Who has oversight over these programs? If there are multiple programs, choose one to discuss.

· How does this program address the identified problem?

· Who is served by the program? Is any group disproportionally involved in the program?

· Are the programs effective? How is this effectiveness measured? What is the cost/benefit of the program?

· Discuss the impact of the policy and program - both intended and unintended.

6. Future of Program and Policy

· Is there current legislative, judicial, and/or administrative action related to the program?

· Is the problem a "hot topic" in politics today?

· What changes are on the horizon for this policy? Why?

· From a social work point of view, summarize what needs to be done to better support marginalized and oppressed groups as related to the future of this policy area.

· The body of your paper should include headers to aid in the organization and flow of your paper.

· Conclusion

· Summarize the main points of your discussion

· This assignment is expected to have a minimum of 11 references, a minimum of 5 are recent academic sources.

· The assignment should be completed in a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 pages. Please remember that one of the goals of this assignment is to build on your ability to use clear, concise language. In our profession it is critical that we are able to discuss complex ideas and topics in short and clear written documents. Papers that go over the page length will not be accepted.

· Do not use quotes excessively; when appropriate you may want to use a short direct quote but you should focus on your own ability to succinctly convey what you’ve learned.

Areas for Improvement

· APA formatting. Check italics, spacing, and capitalization of journal titles and ensure consistent hanging indents throughout.

· Conceptual section expansion. Briefly add more on implementation barriers (funding, reporting inconsistency) and measurable policy outcomes to strengthen the analysis.

Annotated Bibliography: The Elder Justice Act (EJA)

Ja’Mya Wilburn

Department of Social Work, University of Kentucky

SW 630, Intro Soc Welfare, Policy & Services

Dr. Roberts

October 5, 2025

Annotated Bibliography: The Elder Justice Act (EJA)

Alias, A. N., Mokti, K., Ibrahim, M. Y., Saupin, S., & Madrim, M. F. (2023). Elderly Abuse and Neglect on Population Health: Literature Review and Interventions from Selected Countries. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 44(6), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0046

This article provides a mixture of elder abuse and neglect, examining global prevalence, risk factors, and intervention strategies in countries such as Malaysia, the United States, and Australia. It will help answer questions about the societal and policy-level responses to elder abuse and the effectiveness of current interventions. This article will also give me some insight and allow me to compare the Elder Justice Act passed in the USA in 2010 to other various countries and the steps they take to protect their older adults. A useful quote is, “Communities are regularly trained on how to report abuse or suspected incidents to local adult protective services (APS), long-term care ombudsmen, or the police. National Centers on Elder Abuse have been established in every state to enhance the national response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by assembling, housing, disseminating and to encourage cutting-edge validated methods of research, practice policy, and education.” (Alias et al., 2023, p. 317). The article’s comparative approach offers insights into effective international interventions and theoretical frameworks for understanding elder abuse and mistreatment

Nemati-Vakilabad, R., Khalili, Z., Ghanbari-Afra, L., & Mirzaei, A. (2023). The prevalence of elder abuse and risk factors: A cross-sectional study of community older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04307-0

This research from this particular article was done to discover forms of elderly abuse and analyze the risk involved with 500 older people in Ardabil (northwestern Iran). It will be used to answer questions regarding the rate of elder abuse, cultural factors, and the connection between family structure, chronic illness, and susceptibility to abuse. “Certain factors were linked to a higher severity of elder abuse, such as having a specific number of children (1–4 or 5), suffering from a chronic disease, and residing in an apartment. However, emotional neglect had the highest prevalence , while physical abuse had the lowest prevalence at (Nemati-Vakilabad et al., 2023, p. 3). The article critically examines the intersection of family structure, health conditions and social isolation to increase the risk of abuse. Its thorough statistical analysis and cross-cultural background make it especially helpful in exploring the ways in which social work interventions can be adjusted to prevent elderly abuse in a variety of settings and how some of these same protocols could be adopted in the U.S..

Kitaw, T. A., Baylie, A., Tekle, B. A., Tilahun, B. D., Getie, A., Abate, B. B., Feleke, S. F., Zemariam, A. B., Azmeraw, M., Yilak, G., Seid, S., & Haile, R. N. (2025). Elder abuse without borders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23548-9

This article provides a global analysis of elder abuse, identifying its prevalence, forms, and regional variations across 35 countries. It will help answer questions about how socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional factors influence elder mistreatment and guide effective prevention strategies. A useful quote is, “The global prevalence of 27.6% underscores elder abuse as a critical public health issue, but this figure likely underestimates the true extent due to underreporting, stigma, and dependency on abusers (Kitaw et al., 2025, p. 7). The results of the study indicate that improved reporting mechanisms, employee training and policy changes are required to safeguard the elderly.

American Psychological Association. (2022, November 10). Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help, and report mistreatment. Apa.org; American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/aging-older-adults/elder-abuse

This article discusses different forms of elder abuse. It will help answer questions about risk factors, signs of mistreatment, and effective strategies for prevention and intervention. “Approximately one in ten people aged 60 and older who live at home experience abuse, including mistreatment and exploitation” (American Psychological Association, 2022, p. 1). The article highlights how caregiver stress, social isolation, and cultural attitudes can perpetuate abuse while offering practical guidance for recognizing and reporting it. Its comprehensive overview and clear prevention strategies make it a valuable source for examining the social work role in identifying, reporting, and addressing elder abuse through education, community outreach, and caregiver support initiatives.

Sun, X., & Yan, Z. (2025). Social networks reshape the impact of elder abuse on social well-being: a national longitudinal analysis of urban-rural disparities in China. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2523591

This article explores how elder abuse affects social well-being across urban and rural areas around the world , emphasizing the mediating role of social networks. It will help answer questions about how social context and access to support influence recovery and resilience after mistreatment. I could continue to explore the differences in the U.S regarding elder abuse and reiterate how the U.S has taken certain protocols for those who have been affected by elder abuse.”Decrease in the friend contact network and the relative emotional network were related to diminished social well-being among rural elder abuse victims” (Sun & Yan, 2025, p. 334). The authors used longitudinal data from over 7,000 older adults to compare the effects of neglect, financial, and psychological abuse. Their findings challenge conventional assumptions by showing that, under certain conditions, expanded social and community support can mitigate negative outcomes. This comprehensive study provides valuable insight into how cultural values, urbanization, and access to home- and community-based services affect the lived experiences of elder abuse survivors.

Blance-Palmer, R., Klaic, M., Rushford, H., Celeste, T., & Joubert, L. (2025). Elder abuse: a scoping review of the hospital social work role. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2554115

This article explores the vital role of hospital social workers in identifying and responding to elder abuse, emphasizing their contributions within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. It will help answer how social workers assess needs, conduct screenings, and coordinate support for at risk older adults. “Psychosocial assessments are important, and service linkages are a key role of the social worker” (Blance-Palmer et al., 2025, p. 13). The study notes challenges such as limited research on hospital interventions and differences across healthcare systems. Its findings show how training and policy changes can improve hospital responses to elder abuse through stronger detection, documentation, and teamwork.

Giraldo-Rodríguez, L., Agudelo-Botero, M., & Rojas-Russell, M. E. (2024). Elder Abuse and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Loneliness in Older Adults. Archives of Medical Research, 55(6), 103045–103045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103045

In this study, the focus is on the mediating role played by loneliness in measuring the association between elderly abuse (EA) and levels of depressive symptoms. This will allow me to respond to questions regarding the psychological effect of EA, the influence of social isolation, and which types of abuse lead to depression the most. A useful quote is, “Older people who experience EA are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and vulnerability as a result of their health condition and their social and family environment” (Giraldo-Rodríguez et al., 2024, p. 7). The article is rich with information on the prevalence of various forms of abuse, the association with loneliness and depression, and the relevance of specific social work interventions. It draws attention to the interplay of social, physical and psychological factors to influence older adults.

Primc, T., Mihelič, K., & Lobnikar, B. (2025). Analysis of the Need for Safe Houses for Victims of Elder Abuse from the Perspective of Police Officers and Social Workers. Social Sciences, 14(4), 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040192

This study explores professionals’ perceptions of elder abuse, response measures, and challenges in addressing abuse in Slovenia. It will assist provide responses on professional awareness, intervention strategies, systemic gaps in responding to elder abuse. “Social workers consistently rated all assistance forms as more necessary than police officers, highlighting the importance of specialized services” (Primc et al., 2025, p. 14). The research indicates variations in professional attitudes, the extent of the type of abuse, and effective collaboration practices. The results of its activities assist in discovering problems in rural communities, enhancing training initiatives, and informing policies on how to safeguard old age and secure safe living conditions.

Overview of paper

My paper will address elder abuse, including physical, mental, and financial mistreatment of older individuals, and policy remedies such as the Elder Justice Act of 2010. The focus will be on how federal and state interventions, reporting systems, and community activities safeguard vulnerable older persons while considering implementation and enforcement challenges.

History of the Problem

I will emphasize the identification of elder abuse as a social and health issue. When state-level Adult Protective Services programs were developed in the 1970s, elder abuse became a public health and social issue. The 2010 Elder Justice Act, the first federal law against elder mistreatment, was crucial. I will also discuss the National Center on Elder Abuse and its role in influencing state awareness, training, and reporting processes to contextualize the expanding federal role in safeguarding older individuals.

Clarification of the Problem

The policy addresses elder abuse, which affects one in ten 60-year-olds (APA, 2022). In familial and caregiver situations, when older individuals are most reliant, neglect, psychological abuse, and financial exploitation occur. Nemati-Vakilabad et al. (2023) identified chronic disease, social isolation, and caregiver stress as risk factors for the condition. Policymakers prioritize systemic protection and coordinated responses by defining elder abuse as a social and health problem.

Conflicting Social Values in Legislation

Social principles in elder abuse policy reconcile older persons' autonomy and society's duty to protect the vulnerable. For instance, mandatory reporting regulations can raise concerns about privacy and autonomy, despite many policies promoting personal dignity and independence (Blance-Palmer et al., 2025). Additionally, policies emphasize safety, fairness, and equality; however, political and cultural beliefs influence how nations fund, prioritize, and enforce these initiatives.

Policy Effectiveness

Research reveals that elder abuse policies, particularly the Elder Justice Act, have boosted awareness, reporting, and professional training (Alias et al., 2023). However, underreporting, financing, and state-specific implementation of Adult Protective Services limit efficacy. Studies also show that safe houses, caregiver assistance, and multidisciplinary teams are helpful but inconsistently available (Prince et al., 2025). Although progress has been made, policy outcomes show that elder abuse is still common and requires greater institutional responses.

References

Alias, A. N., Mokti, K., Ibrahim, M. Y., Saupin, S., & Madrim, M. F. (2023). Elderly abuse and neglect on population health: Literature review and interventions from selected countries. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 44(6), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0046

American Psychological Association. (2022, November 10). Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help, and report mistreatment. Apa.org; American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/aging-older-adults/elder-abuse

Blance-Palmer, R., Klaic, M., Rushford, H., Celeste, T., & Joubert, L. (2025). Elder abuse: a scoping review of the hospital social work role. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2554115

Giraldo-Rodríguez, L., Agudelo-Botero, M., & Rojas-Russell, M. E. (2024). Elder abuse and depressive symptoms: The mediating role of loneliness in older adults. Archives of Medical Research, 55(6), 103045–103045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103045

Kitaw, T. A., Baylie, A., Tekle, B. A., Tilahun, B. D., Getie, A., Abate, B. B., Feleke, S. F., Zemariam, A. B., Azmeraw, M., Yilak, G., Seid, S., & Haile, R. N. (2025). Elder abuse without borders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23548-9

Nemati-Vakilabad, R., Khalili, Z., Ghanbari-Afra, L., & Mirzaei, A. (2023). The prevalence of elder abuse and risk factors: A cross-sectional study of community older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04307-0

Primc, T., Mihelič, K., & Lobnikar, B. (2025). Analysis of the need for safe houses for victims of elder abuse from the perspective of police officers and social workers. Social Sciences, 14(4), 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040192

Sun, X., & Yan, Z. (2025). Social networks reshape the impact of elder abuse on social well-being: a national longitudinal analysis of urban-rural disparities in China. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2025.2523591