Domestic Violence Service Users: A Comparison of Older and Younger Women Victims

• NCJ Number: 227297
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 297-309
• Author(s): Marta Lundy; Susan F. Grossman
• Date Published: July 2009
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study compared younger and older women victims who utilized services from domestic violence programs over a 5-year period.

Abstract

Although there were many similarities in the circumstances of older and younger women victims who were using domestic violence services, some of the differences that exist were large enough to warrant closer examination. Older victims were more likely to be White, report more emotional and less physical abuse, be referred to services by a legal source, have special needs or disabilities, and receive fewer services, less service hours, and fewer contacts than younger victims utilizing domestic violence services. Female victims come from a variety of circumstances and across all ages. However, much of the research and services have focused almost exclusively on younger women. This article compared women 65 and older to women under 65, who utilized domestic violence services in a Midwestern State over a 5-year period. Tables, appendix, and references