ABSTRACT
Introduction In this chapter, we critically discuss the key explanations of victimisation in private space – in the household and in the care institution and nursing home. The succeeding pages furnish:
• an outline of the three pathological explanations of victimisation in the household: dysfunctional families - some families because of their internal failings damage all members; victim-precipitation – the frail older person naturally attracts offences; and offender dependency – elder persons may expect too much of their carers, who sometimes take advantage or revenge because of their own problems; and
• explanations of victimisation in care institutions – such as staff 'burnout' – stressed care staff react improperly to their charges.
