Intimate Partner Violence in Late Life: An Analysis of National News Reports

• NCJ Number: 243664
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: June - July 2013 Pages: 230-241
• Author(s): Karen A. Roberto, Ph.D.; Brandy Renee McCann, Ph.D.; Nancy Brossoie, Ph.D.
• Date Published: June 2013
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): R03HD059478
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated reports of Intimate partner violence among older adults.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in late life takes various forms including physical harm, sexual assault, and murder. Using national newspaper reports of IPV among elders, the authors identified the types of violence reported most frequently in media and examined how the abuse was conceptualized by reporters. The authors found that most cases of IPV reported involved murder, with men as perpetrators and women as victims. Caregiving stress and health problems were frequently cited as contributing factors in the cases. Interpreting these findings from a feminist perspective, the authors suggest implications for practitioners working with older adults. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.