Domestic Abuse in Later Life
Applied Research Forum National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse in Later Life Bonnie Brandl and Loree Cook-Daniels Nearly 77 million people, more than a quarter victims, age 50 and older, abused by someone in a of the total U.S. population, are age 50 or older trusted, ongoing relationship such as spouse or (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). In Canada the per- partner, family member, and/or some caregivers. centage is similar with 28.7% of Canada’s 31 million This paper focuses primarily on victims living in the residents age 50 or older (Statistics Canada, 2001). community, not institutions (e.g., nursing homes). National surveys also suggest that domestic violence This paper includes research addressing is widespread in the United States and Canada domestic abuse in later life or older battered women. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, 1995; We also include more general domestic violence or Family Violence in Canada, 2002). elder abuse studies that have findings that are So there must be many of victims of domestic specifically about abuse in later life. Fifty-four violence in later life, correct? articles published from 1988 to 2002 were re- For the most part, the answer is lost in the viewed. Studies focusing on younger victims of cracks between the domestic violence and elder domestic violence, other forms of elder abuse, and abuse service systems. Domestic violence programs those conducted outside the United States or predominately serve women between the ages of 18 Canada were excluded. and 45 abused by intimate partners. Most adult Comparing results across these studies is protective services (APS) have focused primarily on practically impossible.
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