Review article
https://doi.org/10.31192/np.21.2.1
Ethical Aspects in the Field of Violence against the Elderly
Valentina Grgić
Silvia Rusac
orcid.org/0000-0002-6953-9624
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Law, Department of Social Work, Zagreb, Croatia
Nino Žganec
orcid.org/0000-0003-3916-0127
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Law, Department of Social Work, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to deepen the understanding of the problem of violence against the elderly for experts in helping professions, given the frequent conflict of basic ethical principles. It is a multidimensional and complex medical, legal and social problem. The most common conflicting principles occur in the field of the right of the elderly to self-determination and the duties of experts in their protection. The lack of clear and uniform definitions, legal provisions and guidelines for action makes it difficult for experts to work, choose strategies and interventions in a particular situation. In addition to these ethical challenges, there is the challenge of reporting, with experts lacking clear guidance and protection, lack of education in the specific field of violence against the elderly, and the impracticability of the multidisciplinary approach. Furthermore, the challenge in the work of experts is represented by the low level of public awareness about this issue and the perception of the elderly as people who do not want help or are not inclined to report. Starting from theoretical knowledge, professional experience, value principles prescribed in professional codes of ethics, knowledge of the framework for ethical decision-making and especially knowledge of individual characteristics and situations in which violence occurred or occurs, experts should be able to make, in the majority of cases, the right, ethically based decision.
Keywords
ethical challenges; experts; the elderly; violence
Hrčak ID:
306159
URI
Publication date:
17.7.2023.
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