Perpetrators of abuse against older women: A multi-national study in Europe

Abstract

Purpose - This article aims to explore the perpetrators of abuse among older women living in the community. The study examines whether differences between the perpetrators of different forms of abuse, and for different groups of older women (e.g. by income or age groups) can be detected. Finally, it aims to investigate whether older women talk about the abuse to family or friends, or report it to an official or formal agency, in relation to different perpetrators. Design/methodology/approach - This article provides results from the prevalence study of Abuse and Violence against Older Women in Europe (AVOW-study). The study involved scientific partners from five EU countries: Finland, Austria, Belgium, Lithuania, and Portugal. In these five countries, the same study was conducted during 2010. In total, 2,880 older women living in the community were interviewed during the course of the study. Findings - The results indicate that 28.1per cent of older women across all countries have experienced some kind of violence and abuse, in the last 12 months, by someone who is close to them. The results offer specific figures for the prevalence of different types of abuse, i.e. physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse; violation of personal rights; and neglect. Furthermore, additional insights about the main perpetrators of abuse for different groups of older women are offered. Research limitations/implications - The article does not address the differences between the five countries. Further research could examine the between-country variations and identify possible country-specific explanations. Practical implications - The implications of these findings for the development of policy and practice are highlighted. Applying only a crime-focused approach on this topic is not sufficient. Health and social welfare sectors play a key role in ensuring dignity in, and quality of, formal and informal care and need to be supported to do so. Originality/value - The paper presents the findings of an extensive multi-national