Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Survey of Clergy Awareness, Knowledge, and Intervention Preferences

Abstract

This article explores the research question: What is the perceived level of elder abuse and neglect awareness and knowledge among Protestant clergy members in Kentucky? Of the 300 clergy contacted, 160 participated, for a response rate of 53.3%. Pearson Chi-Square analyses were used to determine statistical significance, and phi coefficient correlations examined the strength of the associations between variables. Findings indicate that approximately 44% of clergy members in this study report some "awareness" of elder abuse and neglect. However, 56% of clergy respondents do not know that Kentucky is an "any person" mandatory reporting state. Specifically, participating clergy appear poorly informed about legal requirements for reporting elder abuse and neglect and perceive types of abuse differently. Untrained clergy with little formal training indicate a willingness to provide therapy to victims despite reporting that they do not feel qualified to do so.

Protecting Our Elders: An Interfaith Coalition to Address Elder Abuse

“…In a later article, Podnieks and Wilson (2005, p. 56) chided clergy about their lack of involvement and insisted that "Religious leaders must become sensitized and begin to lead their followers to the forgotten and invisible dependent elderly." Rudnick (2009) similarly found that clergy are not well prepared or willing to address elder abuse. In a survey with 160 pastors, he found that 56% of the clergy were unaware of mandated reporter requirements.…”

“…Educating to inspire involvement is different from the method used by others as described in the literature review. For example, a consistent theme across all the studies examined is to train and educate clergy about the signs of abuse, their responsibilities as mandated reporters, and resources available (Rotunda, Willamson, & Penfield, 2004;Podnieks & Williams, 2005;Jones et al, 2006;Rudnick, 2009). Though training and education are essential for clergy to understand and respond appropriately to elder abuse, it may not be sufficient to spur them to act by reporting suspicions of elder abuse.…”