Preventing and Responding to Domestic and Sexual Violence in Later Life

Authors: Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo Ayeni, PhD. Director of Research and Evaluation, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

Author Bio: Dr. Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo “Funmi” Ayeni (she/her) is a bilingual and bicultural applied researcher, community-engaged evaluator, educator, and expert in organizational learning. Her professional focus is on applying community-grounded and culturally responsive equity methods to highlight the unique experiences of individuals and communities affected by gender-based violence and assess the impact of survivor-centered interventions, with a special emphasis on those serving historically marginalized groups.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and engaging advocates nationwide. As we shine a light on this critical issue, we recognize the ongoing challenge of abuse in later life which poses significant public health and societal consequences. In line with our mission to strengthen and transform efforts to end domestic violence, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) provides comprehensive resources focused on the intersection of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse.

In October 2023, NRCDV published a special collection on preventing and responding to domestic and sexual violence in later life. Developed by the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse (MINCAVA) in July 2010 and revised by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) and the NRCDV in 2023, this gathers selected resources from various organizations dedicated to preventing and addressing elder abuse and mistreatment in later life.

This special collection emphasizes research on various facets of elder abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and financial exploitation. Among the studies featured, one statewide study in Rhode Island examined domestic violence among older women, revealing a higher incidence of intimate partner abuse than previously reported in adult protective services surveys. It also found that abuse by family members tends to increase after women reach age 60. Another highlighted study is a qualitative analysis of domestic violence in older women. This report explores how older women define domestic violence, their perspectives on its causes, their experiences with reporting and interventions, barriers to help seeking, and the consequences for perpetrators.

This special collection also highlights various resources aimed at enhancing public education and awareness about elder abuse. These include handouts developed by NCALL, with contributions from Disability Rights Wisconsin and the Safety Net Project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, providing guidance for older adults on how to protect themselves from individuals who misuse technology to control, harass, stalk, or threaten them. The "For Victims and Allies" resource page on NCALL’s website offers crucial information on identifying signs of harm, steps to take when experiencing abuse, and guidance on creating a safety plan. It also provides general information about available community-based services and shares stories from older survivors.

The special collection also includes relevant resources for other key audiences including domestic and sexual violence victim advocates, healthcare professionals, adult protective services, aging networks, justice professionals, faith communities, and coordinated community response.

As we celebrate DVAM, NRCDV remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the development of resources that address the critical intersection of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse, ensuring that all survivors receive the comprehensive support they deserve.