Violência e velhice: um estudo a partir dos dados da Delegacia Especializada em Parintins-AM

Abstract

The aging of the population, driven by increased life expectancy, presents itself as a challenge in the midst of an unequal socioeconomic society, where there is exclusion and marginalization of social groups, due to intolerance and prejudice established by a societal system that seeks to prioritize capital. The socio-historical context reveals structural marks of violence, which involves complex processes. Violence against the elderly can be expressed in social, family and institutional relationships, as there is segregation of the elderly in society, since old age is conceived as a social burden. This reality affects the elderly person in a violent way, leading to an inclination towards disrespect, abandonment, devaluation and exclusion, thus violating human rights. In the aging process, there is an increase in limitations and dependencies, which can result in the silencing of violence, or even the motivations of emotional ties, as violence against the elderly occurs within the family environment, which for the most part is kept in confidentiality due to the fact that the aggressor is a family member. The motivation to study violence against the elderly was instigated by observation in the internship field carried out at the Social Service center of the Specialized Police Station in Parintins/AM. As a methodological procedure, bibliographical research was used based on books, articles and periodicals, and documentary research using data on the typifications of violence against elderly people registered at the Specialized Police Station of Parintins/Am in the year 2022/2023. This is a qualitative approach, as it allows a deep understanding of social contexts, such as the study of violence and old age, based on historical-dialectical materialism, which consists of the direction to understand the reality of the world based on transformations of history and social relations. The results point out the contradictions and inequalities present in the structure of capitalist society, as well as its expressions of violence against the elderly population. Thus, we highlight the importance of public policies that meet the real needs of elderly people, where the work of social workers is extremely important, as they are mediators and holders of information to combat violence. Therefore, we cannot ignore violence against elderly people, but we must be aware of taking actions that respond to this social problem.