Elder abuse and neglect: A survey of clergy awareness, knowledge, intervention preferences, and perceived severity

Because elder abuse victims, abusers, and stakeholders often seek help from trusted faith-based entities, clergy need to be adequately prepared with appropriate intervention responses, concept awareness and knowledge concerning elder abuse and neglect as an emerging health and social crisis (University of Kentucky, 2007). This descriptive survey and study explores issues related to the general research question: "What is the perceived level of elder abuse and neglect awareness, knowledge and intervention preferences among Protestant clergy in Kentucky?" Survey responses are paired to examine relationships between demographic characteristics and the facets measured---awareness, knowledge intervention preferences, and perceived severity of elder abuse and neglect.;Of the 300 clergy solicited, 160 participated for a response rate of 53.3%. In addition to an extensive literature search, the methodology includes data obtained from questions drawn from a prior study and from key informants. Pearson Chi Square Analyses are used to determine statistical significance between the variables compared. The strength of the associations between variables is examined using phi coefficient correlations.;The survey data indicate that 56% of the clergy sample do not know that Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state for elder abuse and neglect. Overall, clergy are generally not aware of their responsibilities and lack detailed knowledge about elder abuse and neglect. Specifically, participating clergy are poorly informed about the legal requirements for reporting elder abuse and neglect in Kentucky; they have a gap in knowledge about elder abuse and perceive types of abuse differently; untrained clergy indicate a willingness to provide therapy despite reporting that they do not feel qualified to do so; and, initial training and continuing education does not appear to be tailored to elder abuse and neglect. Approximately 44% of clergy members in this study report "awareness" of elder abuse and neglect.;Recommended areas for future research linked to awareness, knowledge, intervention responses and perceived severity are provided.