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Violence against older women: A systematic review of qualitative literature

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  • Sarah R Meyer
  • Molly E Lasater
  • Claudia García-Moreno

Abstract

The majority of the existing evidence-base on violence against women focuses on women of reproductive age (15–49), and globally there is sparse evidence concerning patterns of and types of violence against women aged 50 and older. Improved understanding of differing patterns and dynamics of violence older women experienced is needed to ensure appropriate policy or programmatic responses. To address these gaps in the evidence, we conducted a systematic review of qualitative literature on violence against older women, including any form of violence against women, rather than adopting a specific theoretical framework on what types of violence or perpetrators should be included from the outset, and focusing specifically on qualitative studies, to explore the nature and dynamics of violence against older women from the perspective of women. Following pre-planned searches of 11 electronic databases, two authors screened all identified titles, abstracts and relevant full texts for inclusion in the review. We extracted data from 52 manuscripts identified for inclusion, and conducted quality assessment and thematic synthesis from the key findings of the included studies. Results indicated that the vast majority of included studies were conducted in high-income contexts, and did not contain adequate information on study setting and context. Thematic synthesis identified several central themes, including the intersection between ageing and perceptions of, experiences of and response to violence; the centrality of social and gender norms in shaping older women’s experiences of violence; the cumulative physical and mental health impact of exposure to lifelong violence, and that specific barriers exist for older women accessing community supports and health services to address violence victimization. Our findings indicated that violence against older women is prevalent and has significant impacts on physical and mental well-being of older women. Implications for policy and programmatic response, as well as future research directions, are highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah R Meyer & Molly E Lasater & Claudia García-Moreno, 2020. "Violence against older women: A systematic review of qualitative literature," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(9), pages 1-43, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0239560
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239560
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    Cited by:

    1. Hannah Bows & Paige Bromley & Sandra Walklate, 2024. "Practitioner Understandings of Older Victims of Abuse and Their Perpetrators: Not Ideal Enough?," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 64(3), pages 620-637.
    2. Cristina Belles-Obrero & Giulia La Mattina & Han Ye, 2024. "Social Pensions and Intimate Partner Violence Against Older Women," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2024_602, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.
    3. Michelle D. Hand & Mo Yee Lee & Michelle L. Kaiser & Cecilia Mengo & Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, 2024. "Sexual Violence against Adults Aged 50 Years and Older and Implications for Prevention: A Thematic Analysis of Service Providers’ Perceptions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-23, September.

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