NCJ Number
213558
Date Published
December 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the research literature on domestic abuse in later life.
Abstract
A review of 54 research articles published between 1988 and 2002 revealed several key findings. The prevalence of elder abuse in general and domestic violence among elderly adults in particular is difficult to estimate and research in this area to date has been plagued with methodological flaws. However, estimates from a national survey put the prevalence of domestic abuse among elderly adults at around 5.8 percent of elderly couples. Studies on the types of abuse suffered by elderly adults indicated that verbal and psychological abuse, as well as physical abuse, are among the most common forms of abuse. Male family members were the vast majority of abusers and tended to abuse for reasons involving power and control. A significant number of abusers of elderly adults suffer some sort of impairment, such as substance abuse and mental illness. Elderly victims of domestic abuse tend to experience depression, shame, and guilt. Research regarding services for elderly victims indicated that most of these domestic violence victims do not seek help or refuse services when they are offered. This is not surprising given the finding that few domestic violence programs address the needs of elderly victims and few elderly service agencies address the problem of domestic violence. Overall, the findings indicate that more rigorous research is necessary on the problem of domestic violence in later life and that service providers need to improve services for elderly victims. Endnote, resources, references