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C. Purpose Of Study The Dearth Of Information Available On The Subject, ...


c. Purpose of Study
The dearth of information available on the subject, especially in the context of developing countries, makes it difficult to assess the problem of elder abuse, both in a holistic manner, and in a global context. Research studies, even in the advanced nations, have restricted themselves to small populations. Findings of investigations, carried out on a truly large scale, are not available easily. A report, prepared in 2004, by the House of Commons, for example, estimates that as many as 500 000 elderly people in England are currently being abused by relatives, carers, or strangers. (Kmietowicz, 2004) The assertion, the House of Commons admits, is possibly inaccurate, and needs validation with investigation that is more rigorous. Studies of the prevalence of elder abuse, on a national and global scale, have just about started, and will take time for verification, through reiteration and cross research. This study attempts to examine the current research matter available on elder abuse, in the global as well as British context, assess the contemporary causes behind the origin and exacerbation of the phenomenon, its current state, the national and global response to the issue, and measures that can help in reducing its intensity, allowing elders to live with respect and dignity.
d. Research Methodology

This research assignment aims to conduct, in its limited scope and ambit, a useful, relevant and informative study. While the area that needs study is truly enormous, the necessity of being able to do justice to the issue necessitates the formulation of focussed and specific research questions. The main research question is as follows:
What are the main reasons for elder abuse and how serious is the problem?
The assignment also addresses a secondary research question, relevant to the issue:
What are the measures most likely to succeed in controlling and reducing its incidence?
Research methods adopted for this assignment consist of an extensive study of current literature, including texts, journal articles, and research assignments. No empirical study is attempted. The information accessed is contemporary and deals with the issue, as it is now. Information accessed comes from physical and online sources, details of which are available in the bibliography. The structure of the Literature Review is sequential with individual topics taken up for discussion in chronological order. The review consists of five sections that deal with (a) the definition and nature of elder abuse, (b) the reasons for the problem, (c) the extent of its incidence, (d) consequences and risks and (e) possible measures for its prevention and correction.

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