Mistreatment of Vulnerable Adults: A Conceptual Analysis of the Help-Seeking Process

Abstract

This conceptual analysis aims to clarify the notion of help-seeking in the context of abuse among vulnerable adults. In Quebec, Law 6.3 was introduced in 2017 to protect older adults and vulnerable adults who experience mistreatment. While this legislation marks a significant step forward, the detection of mistreatment remains challenging, and it continues to represent a major public health concern. Using Walker and Avant’s method, this analysis establishes an operational definition of help-seeking in the context of mistreatment. An initial search across multiple databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Social Science Abstracts, and Érudit) identified 6,483 references, after the exclusion of duplicates. The titles and abstracts of the selected references were then evaluated based on the previously established inclusion criteria, resulting in 262 references selected for full-text review. At the end of the process, 79 studies were retained. The results of these studies reveal that help-seeking in the context of abuse is a multidimensional process influenced by cultural, relational, and personal factors. The process of seeking help is complex and involves overcoming numerous internal and external barriers. The study concludes that a nuanced understanding of help-seeking is crucial to effectively evaluate an individual’s capacity to seek and obtain assistance, as required by Quebec’s Law 6.3. It further recommends the development of specialized tools and continuous professional training to improve intervention practices and support the effective implementation of the law.