Violence Against Women · 2006 · 67 citations · 22 references
Social SciencesGender StudiesSocial PsychologyGeriatricsGerontologyVictimologyDomestic Violence VictimizationElder AbuseElder VictimizationGeriatric CounselingSocial GerontologyViolence Against WomenConsequences Of Elder VictimizationDisclosure Of Elder AbuseDomestic Elder AbuseElder Abuse In HealthcareElder Domestic AbuseFamily Violence Against Older AdultsOlder Women's AgingPsychological Stereotyping
Thirty-eight women who were in abusive relationships since age 55 years were interviewed to understand their abuse stories, ways of coping, and health care experiences. In responding to these questions, women described the nature of the abuse perpetrated by their elderly partners and tried to "make sense" of what they had experienced and to define "who" these men were. This took various forms, from personal theories about aging, to labels (ethnic stereotyping, demonizing, pathologizing) to characterizations of the abuser's private versus public behaviors. The authors explore the implications these findings have for assisting the elderly victim and perpetrator.
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