Although researchers have studied perceptions regarding sexually abused children, little was known about how other types of abusive events were perceived. This study examined 480 college students' abuse history and perceptions of child, spousal, and elder abuse by varying the respondent, victim, and perpetrator genders. Physical abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect were investigated. Perceptions of abusiveness, seriousness, harm, and responsibility were examined, along with the extent of identification with the victims/perpetrators. Participants viewed spousal abuse as less serious and harmful than other abuse types, especially when perpetrated against a male or by a female. Although able to recognize psychological abuse, students did not fully understand what other abuse types entailed. Individuals also showed a considerable amount of blame toward victims. Results further demonstrated important findings about how ethnic identity/orientation, religious affiliation, and history of abuse related to perceptions of abusive events.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

The Community Response Network in Kelowna was formed from the policydriven elder abuse committee and as a response to the Adult Guardianship Act of British Columbia enacted in 2000. After the inception of the act that addresses abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults, the Community Response Network - a community development initiative that was implemented from social policy - was unsure of its role in the community. The purpose of this qualitative research is to assist the network in defining its role in supporting adults who may be vulnerable to harm. What is the role of the Community Response Network? What did the network do in the past? How effective was it? Who should be involved? It was thought that the network would continue to offer education and awareness to community members. Through a purposeful convenience sample of participants in both a focus group and individual interviews, various themes such as structure, values, context and tasks were evident through verbatim analysis. As well, through a feminist analysis, several dichotomies and inconsistencies were interpreted. Recommendations for the network include continuing education and awareness workshops, strengthening linkages in the community, and inviting a diverse group of people to become involved in the committee.

The Community Response Network in Kelowna was formed from the policydriven elder abuse committee and as a response to the Adult Guardianship Act of British Columbia enacted in 2000. After the inception of the act that addresses abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults, the Community Response Network - a community development initiative that was implemented from social policy - was unsure of its role in the community. The purpose of this qualitative research is to assist the network in defining its role in supporting adults who may be vulnerable to harm. What is the role of the Community Response Network? What did the network do in the past? How effective was it? Who should be involved? It was thought that the network would continue to offer education and awareness to community members. Through a purposeful convenience sample of participants in both a focus group and individual interviews, various themes such as structure, values, context and tasks were evident through verbatim analysis. As well, through a feminist analysis, several dichotomies and inconsistencies were interpreted. Recommendations for the network include continuing education and awareness workshops, strengthening linkages in the community, and inviting a diverse group of people to become involved in the committee. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

With the aging of the baby boomers there is a concern for the liklihood of an increase in reported cases of adult and dependent abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS). This study examined what the social work implications were regarding clients who refuse APS interventions and what subsequent outcomes existed. Data was extracted from closed case files for the period of January 1, 2000 and January 31, 2001 in the high desert region of San Bernardino County.

America's growing elder population affects every segment of the social, political and economic landscape. This population has generated public concern and debate reagarding the problems faced by this often-vulnerable group, including the issue of elder abuse. This research project examined associations between dementia and elder abuse in domestic settings utilizing secondary data obtained from Adult Protective Services of San Bernardino County.

The study investigated the relationship between San Bernardino County Department of Adult Protective Services (APS) client refusal of services and the outcome of their cases. A data extraction tool was used to collect demographic information about the APS clients and their perpetrators, types and number of contacts made by the APS worker, types of abuse, reasons for refusal, and outcomes from closed APS cases for the San Bernardino, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga regions.