Risk and Resilience Factors of domestic violence against the elderly During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

At present, the rate of violence against the elderly worldwide and in Thailand is increasing. This article aims to present situations of domestic violence against elderly people in various countries. During the COVID-19 epidemic situation, the elderly was subjected to violence from both family members and/or others, including physical assault, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual harassment, and financial exploitation, Domestic violence is becoming more increased prevalent, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic. COVID- 19 has caused tremendous economic instability, unemployment, layoffs, emotional effects, anxiety, stress, and family relationships. A group of people who are physically fragile, i.e., having a lot of common diseases, low immunity, and risk of infection easily, psychologically with stress, easily anxious, and dependent on caregivers, especially the elderly with chronic illnesses, will result in stressful caregivers and family members that causing more acts of violence against the elderly. Therefore, knowing the causes and factors of violence in the elderly is beneficial for nurses to assess risk factors for violence in the elderly to provide timely assistance. And to develop health strategies to prevent violence in the elderly.