P043. Financial exploitation of older people and barriers in accessing justice in Finland

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Abstract

Financial exploitation of older people can be described as an invisible crime. The perpetrator is often in a confidential relationship with the victim and the problem is highly unreported. Simultaneously internet frauds and scams targeted at the elderly have become more common. This PhD research focuses on financial exploitation of older people in Finland. The study combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Data consists of expert interviews of social workers, public guardians and NGO-workers, pre-trial investigation records and crime data from national registers. Data concerning offences consists of penal codes related to financial exploitation, such as fraud and embezzlement. The study will explore individual risk factors behind being subjected to financial exploitation related crime, the relationship between abuser and victim, and various barriers hindering access to justice for victims of financial exploitation. This study is part of AMIS-project and it is funded by Academy of Finland. Preliminary findings from the interviews suggest that challenges emerge regarding prolonged time and thus crisis-ridden situation in older people’s lives before the professionals find out about financial exploitation. Additional barriers are victims’ reluctance to report the cases to the police and the long processing times in the criminal justice system.

Author

• Minni Teerikangas, University of Eastern Finland