NCJ Number
213263
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 251-267
Date Published
March 2006
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the two research literatures regarding elder abuse and domestic violence, illustrating how neither paradigm is capable of offering an effective response to domestic violence against older women.
Abstract
The main argument presented by the authors is that an integrated approach to research is necessary in order to effectively respond to the problem of domestic abuse among elderly women. The strengths and weakness of two research paradigms are analyzed: the feminist domestic violence paradigm and the elder abuse paradigm. The strengths of the feminist domestic violence paradigm lie in its structural analysis of gender and power relations and in its empowerment approach. However, the feminist domestic violence paradigm has failed to meet the needs of older women. Shelters and other resources have been designed for younger women and little effort has been undertaken to adapt resources to meet the needs of older women. The main strength of the elder abuse research literature is its ability to meet the needs of older persons through examinations of cognitive impairments and competencies that may play a role in abusive situations. However, the specific topic of domestic violence is rarely studied within this research paradigm, which has mainly focused on physical health needs. Future research should explore how researchers and practitioners can develop better resources and interventions for older women living in abusive situations. Notes, references