Violence against the elderly in Brazil: social determinants, invisibility, and challenges for comprehensive protection

Abstract

The phenomenon of violence against the elderly constitutes a serious social and public health problem, characterized by multiple dimensions involving cultural, economic, familial, and institutional factors. Given the rapid aging of the Brazilian population, it is increasingly urgent to understand the forms in which this violence manifests, as well as the mechanisms required to prevent and address it.

This reality is often rendered invisible, whether due to the victims' silence or the normalization of abusive practices in daily life. Violence against the elderly can take various forms, including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and institutional violence. Many such incidents occur within the home, perpetrated by individuals close to the victim—such as family members or caregivers—which hinders reporting and breaking the cycle of violence. In this context, fear, emotional and financial dependence, and physical and cognitive limitations contribute to the underreporting of cases.

From a sociocultural perspective, violence against the elderly is deeply linked to ageism—discrimination based on age—which devalues ​​the aging process and reduces older adults to a state of uselessness or social burden. This mindset intersects with broader structures of inequality, such as gender, social class, and race, intensifying the vulnerability of specific groups of elderly people, particularly women, Black individuals, and those living in poverty. Thus, understanding violence against the elderly requires an intersectional approach capable of highlighting how different forms of oppression intertwine to create contexts of heightened risk.

Identifying and addressing violence against the elderly requires coordinated, ongoing action involving both public authorities and civil society. Training professionals in health, education, and social assistance is crucial for recognizing signs of violence and making appropriate referrals. Furthermore, awareness campaigns can help break the silence and encourage reporting, thereby strengthening a culture of protection and respect for older adults.

In the health sector, primary care plays a strategic role in the early identification of violence and the development of intersectoral responses. The close relationship these teams maintain with the local community and families enables them to spot signs—such as behavioral changes, neglect, and social isolation—that often go unnoticed at other levels of care. However, challenges such as overburdened services, a lack of professional training, and the fragmentation of public policies continue to limit the effectiveness of these efforts.

It is important to highlight that the context of policy rollbacks and the retrenchment of social policies tends to further exacerbate this situation, widening inequalities and weakening protection mechanisms for older adults. Cuts to investment in health, social assistance, and social security directly impact this population's quality of life, increasing their exposure to risk and violence. Consequently, addressing violence against older adults requires more than just isolated interventions; it demands a structural approach that takes into account the social determinants of health and the need to strengthen public policies.

Another relevant aspect involves promoting the autonomy and active role of older adults, recognizing them as rights-holders and active participants in society. Strategies that encourage social participation, strengthen community ties, and ensure access to quality services are essential for preventing violence. In this regard, public policies must move beyond a purely welfare-based approach and invest in initiatives that foster inclusion, dignity, and quality of life. Finally, it is essential to highlight that addressing violence against the elderly is not limited to punishing perpetrators; rather, it requires a broader cultural transformation that values ​​aging and combats stigma and prejudice. To this end, there is an urgent need to advance cross-sector strategies that strengthen and coordinate care networks, train professionals, and expand access to rights, thereby promoting the comprehensive protection of older adults. Beyond merely combating violence, the goal is to create conditions for dignified, active, and secure aging, recognizing the elderly as rights-holders and the protagonists of their own life paths.