Abstract
Objective
To interpret the experience of those accused of assaulting the elderly in relation to the context of violence, feelings and the dynamic emotions involved.
Methods
This is a qualitative study, carried out based on face-to-face interviews with 16 participants who were reported for assaulting the elderly, from March to December 2019. The interviews were conducted at the women’s police station in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and in some cases, at the defendant’s own home. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique.
Results
The existence of mutual dependence, whether financial or care, was recognized. The aggressors deny, justify and minimize the aggression, attributing the act to the behavior of the elderly or even to the past in which they suffered aggression by them. The accused recognize that they need help and have emotional problems, then using psychoactive drugs to suppress their role as caregiver. Furthermore, they admit to having remorse for what happened, manifesting self-neglect and desire to erase the fact.
Conclusion
The study showed that the defendants have complex health needs that deserve a close look from health professionals and actions focused on the relationship between the accused and the victim, mainly when considering that it will perpetuate itself after the occurrence.
Keywords
Violence; Aging; Health of the Elderly