Prevalence and the issue of underreporting
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of cases due to pervasive underreporting, research indicates that elder abuse is a widespread problem in Brazil. Studies conducted in different Brazilian cities and states reveal significant prevalence rates, with a 2025 study in São Paulo reporting a prevalence of 11.8% among non-institutionalized individuals aged 60 and over. Another analysis of reports from 2009 to 2013 found that elder abuse constituted 5.7% of all reported cases of violence.
Experts and studies attribute the high degree of underreporting to several key factors:
- Fear and Shame: Many older adults are afraid to report their own family members, who are often the perpetrators. Fear of retaliation, shame, and feelings of failure in family relationships are common barriers.
- Dependence: Victims may be financially, physically, or emotionally dependent on their abusers, making them feel trapped and unable to seek help.
- Lack of Awareness: Many elderly individuals and even professionals do not recognize certain behaviors, such as psychological or financial exploitation, as forms of abuse.
- Systemic Issues: There can be inadequate training for healthcare professionals on how to identify and report abuse, as well as a lack of robust support systems for victims.
Common types of elder abuse in Brazil
Elder abuse manifests in multiple forms, with research identifying several types as particularly common in Brazil.
- Physical Abuse: Consistently one of the most reported types, possibly because it leaves more visible signs. This can include hitting, beating, or other forms of physical assault.
- Neglect and Abandonment: This involves the refusal or failure to fulfill obligations toward an older person, leading to inadequate care. Abandonment is also a significant concern, often resulting from family neglect.
- Psychological Violence: This includes verbal aggression, threats, emotional distress, and intimidation. Studies show this is more prevalent among older women.
- Financial Exploitation: Illegal or improper use of an older person’s funds or resources is a growing issue. The perpetrator may be a family member who is financially dependent on the older adult.
- Sexual Violence: While less frequently reported, sexual abuse can and does occur, with women being disproportionately affected.
Characteristics of perpetrators and victims
Research has highlighted certain patterns regarding both the victims and perpetrators of elder abuse in Brazil, though it is important to remember these are statistical trends, not definitive rules.
- Victims: Studies indicate that female elderly individuals, particularly those with higher levels of dependency due to physical or mental ailments, are more frequently victimized. Lower education levels and being widowed or single are also associated with higher risk.
- Perpetrators: A significant portion of reported abuse cases involve the older adult's own children, often adults who are dependent on the elderly person. Caregivers and other family members also frequently appear as perpetrators. Factors like substance abuse by the aggressor can increase the risk of abuse.
Factors contributing to the problem
A combination of individual, family, community, and societal factors contribute to the issue of elder abuse in Brazil. These factors interact in complex ways, increasing the vulnerability of older adults.
- Dependence and Burden: As older adults become more dependent on family members for care, the burden on caregivers can increase, potentially leading to resentment and abuse. This is exacerbated by the lack of formal support services in many areas.
- Social Isolation: A limited social network increases an older person's vulnerability to mistreatment. The isolation can be physical, emotional, or geographical, making it harder for others to identify and report abuse.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Financial dependence, whether of the abuser on the victim or vice versa, is a major risk factor. Economic hardship and poverty can intensify familial stress, contributing to violence.
- Family Dynamics: Pre-existing family conflicts and a history of domestic violence can predispose older adults to abuse.
Comparing elder abuse in Brazil and the US
To better understand the dynamics of elder abuse, it is useful to compare Brazil with other countries, such as the United States. While both nations grapple with this issue, key differences exist in reporting mechanisms, cultural norms, and support systems.
| Feature | Brazil | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting System | Mandatory reporting by health professionals via national systems like SINAN. A federal hotline (Disque 100) is available. | State-specific mandatory reporting laws, often requiring a wider range of professionals to report suspected abuse. Adult Protective Services (APS) handles reports. |
| Family Structure | Traditional cultural norms, such as filial piety, place a high expectation of care on adult children. Family members, especially adult children, are the most frequent perpetrators. | While family is the primary source of care, abuse is often linked to caregiver stress or financial motives rather than strict cultural obligation. Perpetrators can include family and non-family caregivers. |
| Socioeconomic Context | Marked by significant income inequality and socio-territorial inequalities, which amplify vulnerabilities for older adults, especially those in poorer areas. | While socioeconomic status plays a role, resources are more widely available through various state and federal programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. |
| Legislation | The Statute of the Elderly (Estatuto do Idoso), Law No. 10.741/2003, offers broad protections and mandates mandatory reporting. | Elder abuse laws vary by state but typically include civil and criminal statutes aimed at protecting older adults. |
Efforts toward prevention and support
Addressing elder abuse requires a multi-pronged strategy that includes public awareness campaigns, professional training, and stronger social support networks. Brazil has implemented several initiatives to combat the problem:
- Legal Framework: The Statute of the Elderly (Estatuto do Idoso) outlines the rights of older adults and mandates reporting of suspected abuse. Fines collected for elder abuse also help fund elder care programs.
- Integrated Care Programs: In some municipalities, such as Belo Horizonte, integrated programs have been developed to provide care for vulnerable older people through the coordinated efforts of health and social services.
- Public Hotlines: Federal and local hotlines, such as Disque 100, allow citizens to report suspected cases of violence and abuse.
- Non-Profit Organizations: NGOs like Velho Amigo advocate for elder rights and support vulnerable seniors through direct assistance and outreach.
- Healthcare Training: There is a growing push to improve the training of healthcare professionals to help them better identify signs of abuse and neglect.
Conclusion: a complex and ongoing issue
Elder abuse is a common and complex public health issue in Brazil, with a high prevalence that is difficult to measure due to significant underreporting. Victims are often elderly women living with family members, most frequently their own children, in domestic settings. Efforts to combat abuse include comprehensive legal protections, like the Statute of the Elderly, and a growing number of integrated care programs and advocacy initiatives. However, challenges remain, particularly in overcoming the barriers of fear, shame, and dependence that prevent victims from seeking help. Continued training for professionals, increased public awareness, and strengthened social support networks are essential for ensuring the dignity and safety of Brazil's aging population.
To learn more about the rights of older people under Brazilian law, visit the UN Refugee Agency's Brazil site.
