Abstract
Polyvictimization in later life concerns mistreatment by multiple perpetrators as well as mistreatment involving different types of abuse, co-occurring or sequentially. This chapter includes both a rationale and history for the application of the term to older adults and the definition of polyvictimization in later life. In addition, we discuss highlights concerning what is presently known about polyvictimization in later life. We describe how polyvictimization may be used relevant to the socio-ecological framework as well as other frameworks. We explain how polyvictimization at younger ages differs from polyvictimization in later life and include a case example involving an older victim that illustrates abuse dynamics as well as links between elder abuse and other forms of interpersonal violence, including polyvictimization. Finally, we make suggestions for how our definition of polyvictimization in later life may be used in research, practice, and policy arenas.
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Teaster, P.B., Ramsey-Klawsnik, H. (2022). Polyvictimization and Elder Abuse. In: Geffner, R., White, J.W., Hamberger, L.K., Rosenbaum, A., Vaughan-Eden, V., Vieth, V.I. (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89999-2_89
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