Abuses against older women: prevalence and health effects

J Interpers Violence. 2011 Jan;26(2):254-68. doi: 10.1177/0886260510362877. Epub 2010 May 10.

Abstract

A clinical sample of 995 community dwelling women aged 55 and older were surveyed by telephone about their experience with psychological/ emotional, control, threat, physical, and sexual abuse. Nearly half of the women experienced at least one type of abuse since turning 55. Sizable proportions were victims of repeated abuse, and many experienced co-occurring abuse. Women who experienced any type of abuse were more likely to self-report negative health effects than those who were not abused. Health care and social service providers should routinely screen older women for psychological/emotional abuse at it often co-occurs with more severe forms of abuse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Indiana / epidemiology
  • Kentucky / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Ohio / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Offenses / psychology
  • Sex Offenses / statistics & numerical data*
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Violence / psychology
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Women's Health*