Violence against the elderly a social evil

SUMMARY

The existence of the phenomenon of violence against the elderly in the vicinity of the Cuban family, has been analyzed as a risk group most affected victimhood since it is formed by the senior old age group has grown rapidly due to increased longevity of our population.

We decided to analyze the conceptual definitions of Violence, the concept study of domestic violence, risk groups most victimized, and analyze the behavior of domestic violence on the elderly in other countries, and their behavior from criminology.

We used various methods such as: the historical-logical, analytic-synthetic, inductive, deductive, legal and sociological theoretical, whereby the research aim is to provide an updated bibliographic material on this subject which may be used in the teaching criminology and provide an update on the issue, by which to draw strategies to reduce this real phenomenon, with the implementation of preventive actions and differentiated in many Cuban homes.

INTRODUCTION

Domestic violence as a form of manifestation of violence is the specific object on which direct research this subject in recent years has been giving evidence of a significant growth by either lack of awareness and education for members the home, the abuse of people with limited, non-disclosure systematization of actions and lack of prevention activities to be promoted in the community and specifically in the Family. Its social impact is evident and the effort to combat it is becoming more intense and supportive, though still insufficient, which is why we intend to develop our work titled criminological study of domestic violence exerted on the elderly in Cuba.

We will address this social problem, its risk groups especially women, children, the elderly and among them we will work to assess the situation of violence against the elderly, elderly, seniors, or the fourth age if it exceeded 80 years, all these terms will involve the same subjects of the investigation.

Although there have been numerous studies in depth on violence on women and children as victimized groups, we have a population sector that has not been given proper attention, we refer to the elderly, despite that there are few studies on the subject, in our opinion this issue has not received all the priority it deserves in society and there is no full awareness of its significance.

The concern of the aging man comes from his own existence, dating from the early community, where they used the older people for making decisions and advice to other families, with social development these people have continued to play its role in society and especially in the Family, but rarely are subject to obvious forms of mistreatment or abuse of these groups of people being more vulnerable to be affected by violence.

Considering that one of the basic demographic characteristics of the XXI century, consist of an aging global population, according to data that have been offered by the United Nations, are alarming assessments of the annual population growth in the world amounts to 1.14% and is expected in 2007 reaching the 6,600 million. Concerned then the analysis of statistics on people over 60 represent only 10% of World population, however, it is expected that the number of people over 60 will triple, from 705 million today to nearly 2,000 million in 2050.

Cuba, is a clear example of the worldwide trend of increasing population of more than 60 years, so, that "statistics revealed an increase of 14.3% the same in 2000 and by 2025 are forecast to 21.4%, this follows an analysis when the elderly population in 1990 was 11.9% of the total and 5 years later it was 12.4%?. That is why we consider the growing concern of aging people in our country, now have 1.5 million citizens over sixty years.

The province of Ciego de? Vila, records interesting figures regarding the elderly to have 62 253 people over 60 years, representing 15.4% of the total population of the province, of which 31 133 are male This is striking to have a population that leads quickly to the elderly and therefore appears a serious concern for the prevention and control measures to be taken into account in the society to ensure an adequate quality of life for their longevity.

The violence. Major Conceptual Definitions.

Violence is in correspondence with the values, norms and beliefs of each country, age and social class, different grades, levels and concepts can be presented in each field. The origin of the violence is part of a cultural issue, or rather, is rooted in knowledge, traditions, customs and expressions of people, perhaps thousands of years.

There have been many writers who have dealt with violence from different points of view, which has been developed to begin our work we decided to conduct a study on the different conceptions of violence in criminology.

For some scholars violence has been defined as "any relation, process or condition for which an individual or social group violates the physical, psychological or social in another person. It is regarded as the exercise of undue force a subject over another, where experienced as negative?.

Violence is one of the more severely affected has come to plague mankind. The different forms of individual and collective expression of violence, factors that originate and social consequences that make it generate a complex phenomenon. It is estimated that violence has a malleable character depending on the dynamics of power and the distribution of roles and resources.

Similarly it is considered the "transgression of norms, values ​​and behavior patterns at predetermined social acceptance either by a majority consensus, or the imposition of a strong social class socio-economically. The violence comes in conflict situations when the individual, group or collective group that is at odds with these norms, values ​​and standards, or can not find the way to solve them.

Violence is a multifaceted phenomenon, social and broader content, may be the same household, community, group, social, school, work and leads to such consequences in health and social life, often without reaching the efficient cause started it.

This concept of "always refers to the energy, power, involves the use of force to harm, violence is always a form of exercising power through the use of force? whether physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or economic, implies the existence of a top and bottom, real or symbolic, which take the forms of roles: Parent-Child, Man-Woman, teacher-student, boss-subordinate, Young -Viejo, among others. As you can see this is a social problem that affects and interferes with the integrity, development and rights of individuals.

As for the "ecological theoretical approach is like the form of exercising power through the use of physical force, economic, political, and implies the existence of a top and bottom, real or symbolic, which usually take the form of the roles complementary parent-child, man, woman, teacher, young old etc..

Finding that the use or abuse of power is a method for resolving interpersonal conflicts, which overcome or override the will of another is the solution?.

The World Health Organization has conceptualized violence as "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person or group or community that either results in or has a high probability of causing injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation.? As soon as the Pan American Health Organization defines it as "the use of physical force or psychological or moral coercion by an individual or group against itself, objects or other people, that results in destruction or damage to the object and the limitation of any of the established rights of individuals or groups of victims?.

Our position is to understand violence as a social and historical construction and therefore human, hence its definition depends on the historical and social moment you are living, as distinct from aggression since this is typical of animal instinct. We recognize that in effect allows a world view that justifies the use of force, mistrust and self-centeredness, so Sartre says that "violence does culture?, And in that process a variety of attitudes like envy, jealousy, resentment and hate violence become functional to the system.

We performed an analysis of some of the conceptual definitions and manifestations of violence that have been addressed by several authors, considering the premise of the phenomenon that concerns society, which shows without doubt a study of the conceptions of this evil, violence is related in different fields and areas of interdisciplinary research, which is why his studies have been fragmented, preventing a general theory for action to help prevent and eliminate this phenomenon.

Conceptual study of domestic violence.

Throughout history it has meant the family the basic institution of social and economic life, therefore it is considered, the fundamental cell of society. The family functions as a system, as such, establishes channels of communication between its members, protecting them from external pressures and controls the flow of information abroad, the goal being to preserve unity among members and environmental stability. When too permeability, the system shuts down and isolated, causing significant deviations in the interactions that occur between family members, which leads to a state of imbalance, as in the specific case of domestic violence. Family sets up the conditions at the social space in which the individual faces the real possibility of whether or not what you want and can do. This puts it in perspective of time, their experiences of past and present and future possibilities, which are joined in a structuring effect on each individual, expressed as a lifestyle.

BY LEWIS H. MORGAN, "states that the evolution of society is closely intertwined with the family, progress, change and project? at par. Hence the importance of studying the negative that happens in the family.

Family violence can be seen from the emergence of man himself, if we consider that since the primitive age began to merge with the sole desire to live and without the existence of limits its action to prohibit excessive, over time the restrictions differences and ambitions invaded the tranquility. The woman who had been considered free and became a slave of man, the children became targets of attacks as if natural and forced the case, while the elderly were useless (load) and even abandoned. He started the penance of patriarchal authority that justified the excessive authority of husband over wife's preferences and other members of the old mansions. On the road of time, the meetings of different cultures characterized by acts of power, unmannerly and even brutal (conquest and colonization) and up to oversimplification or poor critical thinking on gender beliefs led to the harmful stereotypes and origin and fomenting violence in the context of the family. These changes framed societies from barbarism stages and with different shades remains so prevalent until the twentieth century global realizes the scope of this monstrosity and that conflicts of this nature must be eradicated to ensure harmonious existence.

The presence of violent situations causes suffering and impaired quality of life of the components of this system.

On the conceptualization of domestic violence has been written from various points of psychological, sociological, clinical and criminological, we consider then reflect on the approach of some authors.

When searching for the grammatical meaning of violence "(as a violent, action of violating or violent action against the natural way to proceed) and combine it with the definition of family (persons living under one authority, sets of relatives, individuals with something in common), can be summarized that domestic violence is behavior, conduct and actions of a portion of that field that affects the psycho-emotional integrity and security of other members, is any act contrary to the harmony, which attacks the autonomy and respects the individuality of each human?. ANTONY AND MILLER for "domestic violence is any act committed within the home by its members, which seriously harms the life, physical, psychological integrity or freedom of another member of the family?.

This concept can be a little more explicit, for example, is defined as a set of attitudes or abusive behavior of a member of the family that seeks to control another, so that it acts according to his wishes. Under this type of behavior can compromise the survival, safety or welfare of another member. All forms of family violence are one thing in common: they constitute an abuse of power and trust.

According to this definition "is that which takes place within the family, whether the perpetrator shares or has shared the same address, and includes, among others, rape, physical abuse, psychological and sexual abuse?. There are also authors that violence need different levels of damage caused to the victims of such abuses. It can manifest "through beatings, insults, economic management, threats, blackmail, control, sexual abuse, isolation from family and friends, prohibitions, emotional neglect, humiliation or disrespect the opinions, these are the ways in which to express the domestic violence, often in abusive relationships tend to be combined, giving rise to damage from one or more types of abuse?.

It further defines family violence as "the use of physical force, moral, or repeatedly against a family member by another of the same that threatens their physical or psychological, whether they may or may not produce injury, as long as the aggressor and the aggressed live in the same house and there a family relationship, marriage or cohabitation?.

RAF? A CLEVES says it is "a manifestation of this dysfunctional family, have exhausted the possibility of interaction and communication?. These attacks not only occur due to personal aspirations, but also to changes in standards and household conditions.

Some authors point out that domestic violence takes place mainly by three factors, one of them is the lack of impulse control, emotional deprivation and the inability to solve problems adequately, and also in some variables may appear and alcohol abuse drugs.

From the foregoing it is evident that the term family violence is going to refer to a position of power and refers to all forms of abuse occur in relationships between family members, should be systematically or periodically. Overall violence is exerted on the weaker members of the family, children, women yancianos, which withthe be easier to complete the purpose of the perpetrator.

Although you can not say that all violence is committed by men, do so in most cases. They are the protagonists of these acts at home, although not excluded any of the other family members whether or not the attacked, our wide range of definitions. A family group whose way of resolving situations is through violence, will be a model for the future of their children.

There are and have been studied demonstrate different forms of domestic violence, it is important to recognize that we are to proceed to protect and assist the victim, these are:

? Physical abuse: can be found in different positions, the damage is. which causes her body, hitting, slapping, pulling hair, burns, fractures, injuries from knives or guns or other, all that can cause pain, temporary disability, permanent or death, this form is very linked to the commission of crimes, is one of the most well known and is repudiated by society.

? Psychological or emotional violence: it's all these categories, the most abused left in the sequel for the damage it causes to emotional integrity is exteriorized with slander, ridicule, insults and affection denied expression, long silences, humiliations , loudly and futile discussions, even with neglect and negligence (which can also be seen as physical) is the most frequent act of domestic violence.

? Sexual Abuse: occurs in various situations and in many ways. Ignoring or denying needs and feelings, unwanted touching, constant demand for sex with threats and coercion, sexual demands unpalatable, reviews the body, sexual harassment, rape, abuse, lewd and others who move in and stop the psychological impact scale very deep. Most of these situations have their genesis in sexist grounds that only deepen the fear, alienation, confusion and severe mental conflicts

? Abuses economic, educational and social, are so common that many times they look harmless. Externalized with limitations of all kinds: to communicate with others, access to recreation, to link to educational institutions and overcome, to interact with family and friends, to work outside the home and even have access to the family economy. Neglect and abandonment also have this header. The victim grows into a being dark and isolated.

The different characterizations of abuse in the Family "is divided into active and passive. The activities are more obvious because they act out with physical actions, coercive sex, verbal attacks, economic constraints, social and educational, passive ones are those involving omission (neglect, abandonment, lack of communication, lengthy silence, denial of affection). All irreversible sequelae, although in some cases, their effect is not immediate or be invisible?.

Family violence is a social problem, not always easy to recognize or accept it, but it exists and must be controlled, taking into account their negative effects.

It is of vital importance to know, establish and enforce rules governing the personal, family and social, where all individuals understand the importance of regulating their actions at home and in society.

Valuation trends of domestic violence in the risk groups most victimized.

The manifestations of violence in the family are evident mainly in its victims most weak, dependent and insecure we are then at risk groups, which consist primarily of women, children and elderly.

We can then assess the situation succinctly in each of them.

Domestic Violence against Women:

Women throughout history has been subjected to great sacrifices and abuse, which occurs in many parts of the world still today. These acts of violence against women can be independent of the educational training process is provided in the family.

"This abuse is most evident in the area of ​​those families that are developed on the basis of rigid structures formed in the power, fear and obedience to traditional and cultural patterns, hence the need to work for the democratization of relationship?.

Violence is sometimes implemented when the offender feel threaten their power or when you consider that this is the most effective way to maintain it, because violence reinforces the belief of his power and the victim reinforces the certainty of his situation, this does suffering from a series of discrimination, physical and emotional harm, not only by family but also for the couple.

However, the evaluation of violence against women in general and more specifically exerted against her pair mate is extremely complex due to the many facets that comprise it, but without a doubt? the very concept of abuse is inseparable from the situation of women, the way they take their subjectivity and learning through socialization that make social norms and values?.

In relation to this particular research found some matching Abused Women considering as "any female person who suffers physical, emotional and / or sexual abuse, by act or omission on the part of the couple with whom he maintains a link privacy ".

Given this, it should be noted that from the time the woman is considered a victim, recognizing their status and can work to change based on your condition, making the decision to remain a passive entity as violence seizes it or fight against it and all its negative effects.

If we analyze the process of building legitimacy involves a victim and a grant of power to the provider of the abuse, during this process the women learn to identify triggers of abuse (as is the use of psychoactive substances by the spouse) and maltratadotes it.

It has been confirmed in the "diverse information analyzed that violence is high culture, national character, which is present in all countries, and paradoxically, there is excessive violence against women in developing countries with high social and economic, as the U.S., Canada, Spain, France, Sweden, both in the family, the couple, as sexual harassment? mainly in the works.

As we have seen women as victims of violence need protection, but most of all need to recognize the facts, to face this difficult situation and that is real living.

Domestic Violence Against Children and Girls:

Faced with the reality of violent child, see it in their generic condition, we believe that the first thing that happens is a total violation of the rights of these children, from the offender in these cases may be the mother, father guardians, stepmothers, stepfathers, relatives, neighbors, teachers or acquaintances ..

Of child abuse "is ignoble and abusive. Because without the right ignoble humiliation, because it is imposed on someone who has no ability to defend themselves. Of child abuse is also a crime, the abused child grows into resentment and fear?, We consider that is abusive because it is unjust his actions before a being of such different skills. Abuse "is a misunderstood by some parents and educators to educate, to abuse their power?, Where the child is at a disadvantage, an act of irresponsibility, it is a social problem that affects and interferes with the integrity and development of his personality.

The abused child is a lack of affection and understanding, growing fear and anguish to the rest of his family. Save in your memory forever, each and every one of the punishments received and in most cases when it grows reflect this behavior in society.

These attacks tend to vary in intensity and frequency they depend on the mood of the offender, as well as the ability to deal with their frustrations and other stresses of everyday life.

In addition to physical punishment or disqualification also have effects on the image that the child has of himself. So a child who is called a fool or he feels "bad" feel bad about yourself, although this has not always tell but only sometimes. There is also "passive abuse or neglect, which involves not take care of them and let everyone fend for themselves. Neglect is more often even when it comes to children with physical or reduction of their capabilities?.

These prevention programs go by, first, by educating ourselves as parents or future parents, our children and the professionals around them about the dangers and consequences of sexual abuse. This is vital because experience shows that children alerted to the possibility of being sexually assaulted are better prepared to protect themselves from this that those who are not aware of that danger. In addition, they are more likely to disclose an incident that children recognize only vaguely what happened to them.

One of the areas in which there must be more actions are preventive programs against these evils which must be earned in education to parents and other family members and other action is that parents should create an environment in which children are free to communicate and discuss any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, and to disclose any situation that may have suffered. It has to break the barrier of silence that surrounds this scenario, because only when one is aware of the seriousness of the problem and its consequences, decrease feelings of guilt and shame that victims often experience such events. Only then will break the silence and stop considering it a deep, dark secret.

Domestic Violence against the Elderly:

On these members of vulnerable groups from violence will be discussed below to address the situation of violence in the family to the elderly.

Women, children and the elderly, for being easier to use, submission and dependence are the most affected by violence, are the most time at home and they create a sense of guilt and acceptance is why they need a greater role in society and immediate help to resolve this situation is not always understood and is considered by society.

Considerations in Family Violence against the Elderly in Cuba since the Criminology.

It has been known for centuries abuse and mistreatment of the elderly, violence being the least recognized worldwide. Cuba, with a large population of longevity traits should be designed for the removal of these features, beginning with a study of incidence and decline.

In our country there is a population exceeding 11 million inhabitants and of these, approximately 14.3% of the population over 60 years, is a clear need to undertake actions to revitalize the role of elders, ensuring that this third age have the same respect and recognition in active life, then we may ask, Is there in Cuba violence against the elderly in the family?

Cuba, like other country suffers from this phenomenon, this is not new as a social evil and we must realize that the future of all of us is doomed to grow old in the course of life itself.

To frame our research we have from the definition of elderly, "which is known as a person of advanced age, passing through the last period of life, this in turn is closely related to aging which is defined as that process in which all forms are morphological, physiological, biochemical and psychological consequence of the action of time on living? .

The term "abuse" will also be seen in the development of work, "is fraught with negative connotations that have become taboo: do not talk about the problem as such, this is avoided is not recognized and thus does understand that does not exist. We must recognize that in recent years have been putting aside prejudices and fears?, That the issue involved and have made progress in its complaint. The elder abuse can involve both hitting, pushing, verbal abuse, neglect or violation of the most basic individual rights.



















































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CONCLUSIONS













































Ill-treatment.