NCJ Number
209766
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 85-102
Date Published
2004
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the experiences of a large sample of victims of domestic violence, age 65 and older, who sought refuge, support, and services from domestic violence programs between 1990 and 1995 in a large Midwestern State.
Abstract
Research has found that at about the age of 50, women victims of battering no longer access domestic abuse services. In an attempt to address this issue, this study examined the experiences of 1,057 victims of abuse over age 65 who sought refuge, support, and services at domestic violence programs between the years 1990 and 1995. Data for the study were collected by the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Because previous analyses indicated very little variation in relevant client characteristics by year, the years were combined and data for the 5-year period are presented as a whole. The sample of 1,057 represents only 0.84 percent of the total population of service users during the 5-year period. For this sample, ranging in age from 65 to 94, 90.1 percent were female and 75.4 percent were White. Data were collected related to three types of abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The various circumstances of these victims in relation to age, gender, disability, types of abuse, relationship to the abuser, source of referral, and service needs are described. While it is unusual for women over 60 who are victims of violence to seek services through domestic violence programs, the study found that at least some elders who are victims of violence do utilize these services. The implications of the findings related to the needs of this population are discussed. References, tables