The scope of the problem
Domestic, or intimate partner, violence is typically thought to be a problem for women of childbearing age. Unfortunately, little research has been done on the problem of domestic violence in later life. The bulk of the research has focused on elder abuse and neglect. Here’s what is known:
- Older females experience higher rates of abuse than older males, even after accounting for their larger proportion of the aging population. Although females make up about 57% of the total national elderly population, women are the victims in 76.3% of reports of emotional/psychological abuse, 71.4% of physical abuse, 63% of financial/material exploitation, and 60% of neglect. (National Center on Elder Abuse, 2001).
- Research suggests that for functionally independent older women, physical and verbal abuse—mainly from intimate partners—is occurring at rates similar to that for younger women.
Risk factors for older adults
- Advanced age (older than 75)
- Functional dependency
- Shared living arrangements
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Having a personality disorder
- Cognitive impairment
- Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
- Confusion
SOURCE: Mouton CP. Intimate Partner Violence and Health Status Among Older Women. Violence Against Women 2003;9:1465-77.
Barriers to seeking help
A victim may not seek help because of:
- Fear
- of further abuse
- of alienation or loss of caregivers
- of losing health benefits
- of being placed in a nursing home
- of losing home and property
- Discouragement by caregivers for the victim to take action
- Reluctance to seek a divorce
- Lack of affordable housing options
In addition, the following factors may make it difficult for an elder domestic violence victim to leave the violent relationship:
- Compared with younger women, older women have more years invested in their families and communities, and less opportunity for education or acquiring job skills
- Shame and embarrassment
- Non-recognition of abuse; most older victims came of age during a time when education and independence were not encouraged for women
- Apathy and belief that nothing can change based on a lack of support from the community or family in the early years of the abuse
- Identification with traditional roles, including holding the family together
- Diminishing health and vigor
- Realities of physical aging and issues of loneliness
SOURCE: Zink T et al. A Qualitative Study of Older Women’s Reasons for Remaining in Abusive Relationships. Violence Against Women 2003;9:1429-41.