Domestic violence and aging women

Abstract

Domestic violence against women is a significant health problem in this country and worldwide. A group that has been neglected, however, in discussions of this problem are older women. Although one might assume that domestic violence against older women is included in discussions of elder abuse, that body of literature actually may obscure the problem for several reasons. This article discusses the background of domestic violence against older women in two contexts: long-standing wife abuse and abuse of aging caregivers. Suggestions for assessment and intervention are included.