Violência doméstica contra a pessoa idosa: uma revisão integrativa.

Abstract

Population aging is an increasing reality in contemporary society. In this context, new challenges emerge, such as domestic violence against the elderly, which constitutes a violation of human rights and manifests in various forms within the family and residential environment of the older person. Objective: To analyze the scientific literature on domestic violence against the elderly between 2015 and 2025. Methodology: This is an integrative review developed in six stages: identification of the theme and selection of the hypothesis or research question; establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies/sampling or literature search; definition of information to be extracted from selected studies; evaluation of the studies included in the review; interpretation of results; and presentation of the review/synthesis of knowledge. Searches were carried out in the Virtual Health Library, in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF, CUMED, IBECS, and IndexPsi, using the descriptors “Idoso” OR “Aged” OR “Anciano” AND “Abuso de Idosos” OR “Elder Abuse” OR “Abuso de Ancianos” AND “Violência Doméstica” OR “Domestic Violence” OR “Violencia Doméstica”. Articles published between 2015 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, fully available online, were included. Duplicated, incomplete studies, those in other languages, review articles, and studies not directly related to the topic were excluded. In total, 20 studies were selected for analysis. Results and Discussion: Domestic violence against the elderly proved to be multifaceted, with higher prevalence among women aged 60 to 79, with low education, functional dependence, and often widowed. The most frequent forms of violence were psychological, financial, and neglect. The aggressors were mostly adult sons, often with a history of alcohol abuse and family conflicts. The role of the Family Health Strategy was essential for identifying cases, although challenges such as lack of professional preparedness, victim resistance, and structural limitations were reported. Coping strategies included assertive communication by the elderly, educational actions directed at aggressors, and support through spirituality as a source of emotional resilience. Final considerations: It is concluded that confronting domestic violence against the elderly must be strengthened through awareness among family members and the elderly themselves, as well as through training and commitment from health professionals, in order to ensure respect, dignity, and the right to a life free from violence for the elderly population.