Violence in home care

The area of outpatient care - especially when care is provided by family members - has no control mechanisms whatsoever. This deficit can have serious consequences for both caregivers and cared-for persons.

Cases of violence in home care often go undetected. Only a few victims go public with it or seek help. This may be because they are physically or mentally unable to do so and are dependent on the caregiver.

Counseling and support services are also important for caregivers, who in many cases are family members or acquaintances. They, too, can suffer from violent experiences or use violence out of excessive demands.

Moreover, there is still an inequality of opportunity between women and men when it comes to assuming responsibility for caring for family members. In most cases, women take on this demanding work and forego a career and income, which can lead to long-term consequences such as poverty in old age, unemployment and psychological stress.