Intimate partner violence towards older persons: exposure and help-seeking

Research problem and specific questionsPartner violence is a widespread societal and public health problem, in Sweden and internationally, with major consequences for individuals and society. Handling and preventing such violence is thus highly important.

This applies not least to partner violence against older people, who comprise a particularly vulnerable group about which research is limited.

Many older people exposed to violence do not seek help, and knowledge about what hinders or facilitates help-seeking is limited.This project examines help-seeking, and experiences of what hinders and facilitates help-seeking, among older women and men exposed to partner violence in Sweden. The project is based on the following questions:1.

How widespread is partner violence against older people (60–84-years) living at home in Sweden?2.

To what extent, and where, do older people exposed to partner violence seek help, from informal (e.g. friends or relatives) and formal (e.g. shelters, social services or healthcare) support functions?3. What is described as hindering or facilitating help-seeking?4. How are experiences of help-seeking described and what forms of support are perceived as lacking?5.

What differences exist between groups in terms of exposure and help-seeking, based on gender, age, sexuality, class and migration background?Data and method The project consists of three sub-studies: 1) a survey study in the general population (60–84-years), 2) collection and analysis of texts written by exposed older people (from 60-years), and 3) interviews with exposed older people (from 60-years).

The survey study primarily answers research questions 1 and 5, while the texts and interviews answer questions 2–5.Societal relevance and utilisationKnowledge of help-seeking behaviour among older people exposed to partner violence, including what hinders and facilitates it, is central to the development of efforts to address and prevent such violence.

Knowledge of partner violence against older people is also of importance for the general public.

The project includes collaboration with relevant organisations, and the writing and dissemination of a popular science publication.Plan for project realisationThe project is carried out over three years, by Wemrell (associate professor, 45%) and Anving (Ph.D., 40%), who are responsible for different sub-studies but collaborate in all of them.

A collaborative group and a scientific reference group are linked to the project.