Elder Abuse: The Social Worker’s perspective

Journal title WELFARE E ERGONOMIA
Author/s Francesca Corradini
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/1
Language Italian Pages 14 P. 169-182 File size 55 KB
DOI 10.3280/WE2026-0001013
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According to the World Health Organisation, elder abuse is a complex and underestimated phenomenon with serious consequences for individual and social well-being. Social services are fundamental in recognising and dealing with situations of abuse, however, there is still a lack of research aimed at describing the functions and interventions of these services in Italy. The article presents the results of qualitative research carried out in the province of Brescia. The aim of the research was to explore the role of social workers working in local authorities in preventing and contrasting such situations, and to highlight the challenges they face in their professional practice. The results highlight the multi-dimensionality of the phenomenon, in which interpersonal relationships must be placed in a context characterized by a lack of resources or their inadequacy, and the absence of guidelines or operational protocols. Adopting an ecological model in interpreting these situations emphasizes the need to overcome the vision of violent episodes as a “private matter”, in order to develop shared and effective multi-professional paths and tools.

Keywords: elder abuse; older people; social workers; caregivers; inter-professional collaboration.

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Francesca Corradini, Violenza contro le persone anziane: il punto di vista delle assistenti sociali in "WELFARE E ERGONOMIA" 1/2026, pp 169-182, DOI: 10.3280/WE2026-0001013