Detection and social intervention in different forms of violence against dependent older adults: the insiders’ perspective

Purpose The dual issues of elder abuse and neglect, and interpersonal violence against older women, have not yet been eradicated from society, and this entails consequences for older people, their social relations and the community at large. In Spain, a substantial number of older adults reside at home and rely on care, which is frequently provided by public services and coordinated by social workers. This research aims to examine the perspectives of social workers and home care workers (HCWs) regarding the detection of, and intervention in, various forms of violence occurring within the homes of dependent older adults receiving domiciliary care. Adopting a qualitative approach, two focus groups were set up and six in-depth interviews were conducted, to identify both good practices, such as intervention protocols and procedures. Using the “insider perspective” of professionals in daily contact with dependent individuals represents an original contribution to this field. The findings indicate a pressing need for critical reflection, increased awareness and specialised training. Furthermore, greater resources should be provided for the care of older people, which would not only permit more, better social interventions to be carried out but also bolster the prevention of such violence. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative interpretative design using thick description to explore professional perceptions of elder abuse in domestic settings. The purposive sample (Andalusia, Spain) consisted of 20 participants: 12 HCWs and 8 social workers. Data collection (March–May 2024) combined two focus groups and six semi-structured interviews to achieve source triangulation and thematic saturation. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke) supported by NVivo. The process involved inductive coding (open, axial and selective) and rigorous researcher reflexivity to ensure methodological validity and credibility. Findings This study confirms that SAD staff effectively detect domestic abuse, particularly physical violence and neglect. Key facilitators include the intensity of abuse, user vulnerability and the HCWs’ professional experience and training. While 2022 protocols represent significant progress, structural gaps remain. Conclusions emphasise the need to formally recognise HCWs as frontline safeguarding agents and provide continuous training on complex abuses like psychological violence. Ultimately, adequate funding for home care and strengthened inter-institutional coordination between social services and healthcare are essential for a holistic, rights-based response to elder abuse. Research limitations/implications This study acknowledges limitations regarding geographic representativeness and sample size, suggesting caution in generalising the findings. Nevertheless, it stands out for its innovative nature, positioning the collaboration between HCWs and social workers as a critical factor in uncovering domestic violence and ending the isolation of older adults, all within a human rights framework. Proposed future research includes longitudinal studies to evaluate the impact of intervention protocols and intersectional analyses – incorporating ethnicity, social class and functional diversity – to identify forms of violence that often remain invisible in conventional research. Practical implications To enhance safeguarding, it is a priority to formally recognise HCWs as frontline detection agents, systematically integrating them into multi-agency protocols and strengthening coordination with social and healthcare services. Specialised training on complex abuse (psychological and neglect) and adequate funding – viewed as a structural prerequisite for safety – are essential. Furthermore, the implementation of robust protocols must incorporate a gender and intersectional perspective, while valuing the professional-affective bond as a key tool for uncovering hidden violence and ensuring holistic, rights-based interventions. Social implications This study frames elder abuse and neglect as clear human rights violations, exacerbated by ageism and social prejudices that normalise loss of autonomy. A gender perspective is emphasised, recognising that violence against older women is often a continuation of lifelong abuse within a feminised care framework. Home care services (SAD) can be a vital mechanism to break social isolation and uncover hidden domestic violence. Ultimately, the work calls for shared social responsibility in caregiving and an intersectional approach to social policies to protect the diverse realities of dependent populations. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its focus on HCWs and social workers as key detection agents, an area often overlooked in favour of traditional user satisfaction surveys. This study innovates by demonstrating that interdisciplinary collaboration is the decisive factor in uncovering hidden domestic violence. Furthermore, it transcends clinical approaches by integrating a human rights framework and proposing that detection is not merely technical but an emotionally situated process rooted in the professional-user bond. This provides a unique and necessary perspective on safeguarding and elder care.