NCJ Number
179896
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: 1999 Pages: 59-77
Date Published
1999
Length
19 pages
Annotation
A national research project was conducted in Australia to identify and explore the needs of older and isolated women who live with domestic violence; the project included a national phone-in that was conducted over a 2-day period and that received responses from more than 90 women ages 50-78 years.
Abstract
Information was collected from women over 50 years of age in metropolitan, rural, and isolated areas. The participants included older women from indigenous, non-indigenous, and diverse language and cultural communities, as well as women with varying abilities and those with mental health problems. The phone-in was publicized by a poster and through print and broadcast media. Volunteers answered the telephone and used a questionnaire that had been pilot tested. The participants identified several major themes. These themes included the need to be believed by family, friends, caregivers, and professionals; the importance of having a significant support person, preferably of a similar age and background; the need for ready access to accurate information about domestic violence and services; and the necessity of appropriate responses from service providers. Additional needs included accurate and easily accessible legal information and free legal services, faster access to a regular and adequate income, and easier and faster access to emergency shelter or housing. Additional issues in rural areas included geographical isolation, lack of transportation, the conservative and patriarchal rural culture, gun ownership, insufficient resources, the small-town syndrome, difficulties for women from diverse culture and language communities, and poverty. The research project had many strengths and weaknesses, as well as outcomes and recommendations. Participants expressed interest in developing an information booklet, asked for a training manual for service providers, and supported the development of a peer education program. They offered nine specific recommendations for these and other actions. 11 references