The article concentrates on the problem of child abuse in the family, which is most usually manifested by physical and psychic violence. Despite the fact that when abusing the child parents usually do not intend to harm them but rather want to make them act in the desired manner, causing pain or distress and exerting physical or psychic violence may have many negative consequences on the child, both direct and distant in time. Based on the conducted empirical research, the article presents the scale of the problem and its consequences, as well as the parents’ opinions included in the study on violence during child growth and its effects on parents’ behaviour in situations related to child upbringing. It also demonstrates the relationship between child abuse and the manifestation of negative behaviours, directly resulting from violence. From among many forms of negative behaviours which may be related to physical or psychic violence, the study concentrated, among others, on aggression, using dependence agents (alcohol, narcotics, cigarettes, steroids and drugs) and escapes from home. The conducted statistical analyses indicate a very close relationship between the two.
In this article, the authors raise the issue of elder abuse by their caregivers (in both family and institutional settings). The main goal is to present Spanish examples of preventive actions and solutions concerning elder abuse. Theoretical models leading to caregiver overload that may result in abuse have been presented. Preventive measures should include institutional, psychological and educational support with regard to care-giving, as in many cases the onset of abusive behavior occurs in the situation of caregiver overload.
PL
W artykule podjęto kwestie przemocy wobec osób starszych ze strony ich opiekunów (w opiece rodzinnej i instytucjonalnej). Głównym celem było zaprezentowanie hiszpańskich przykładów działań i rozwiązań profilaktycznych w odniesieniu do tego zjawiska. Przedstawiono modele teoretyczne obrazujące mechanizmy prowadzące do przeciążenia opiekuna, które może spowodować użycie przemocy wobec podopiecznych. Toteż w ramach działań profilaktycznych należy zapewnić wsparcie instytucjonalne, psychologiczne i edukacyjne w zakresie sprawowania opieki, gdyż w wielu przypadkach uruchomienie zachowań przemocowych pojawia się w sytuacji nadmiernego obciążenia opiekuna.