Violência intrafamiliar na saúde da pessoa idosa: entre as dificuldades e as possibilidades

Abstract

Intrafamily violence is defined as any action or omission that harms the well-being, physical and psychological integrity, freedom and right to full development of another family member. It constitutes one of the main representations of violence against the elderly population, but it is also the most “invisible”, as it occurs in everyday relationships within the family (BRASIL, 2006). The objective of the research was to analyze how intrafamily violence against the elderly can interfere in the process of illness and health recovery of these people. In the methodology, a bibliographic research was carried out that presents elements about the scientific knowledge produced in Brazil, between the period of 2016 to 2020. Articles published in national journals indexed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) platform were mapped. Nine articles were selected, and after reading them, content analysis was carried out under the bias of critical social theory. It was possible to identify that intrafamily violence interferes with the health of the elderly, as elderly people with physical or mental dependence demand more care, which requires greater need for family or caregiver time and more financial resources. As a result, they become more vulnerable to suffering violence that often results in the need for assistance in health services. The articles analyzed minimally debate the issue of intrafamily violence. They focus more on violence in general, although studies show that most aggressors are family members. Among the difficulties for the issue, it is highlighted that violence against the elderly lacks greater visibility and care in the various institutions and services that serve this portion of the population, as the notifications are not yet consistent with reality. There is a need for greater State intervention through public policies to guarantee rights and protection, which are increasingly minimal and precarious in this neoliberal context.