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Domestic Violence in Later Life*

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What is Domestic Violence in Later Life (DVLL)?

Domestic violence (DV) is a pattern of behavior used to maintain power and control. Perpetrators 

can be anyone with whom the victim has/had an ongoing, trusting relationship. DV includes physical,

sexual, mental, emotional, and/or financial abuse, and victims often experience more than one form 

of abuse. DV occurs across all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic

statuses, and education-levels.

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DV is considered DV in later life (DVLL) when the victim is an older adult. DVLL can be DV grown-old, meaning the abuse has been occurring for a long time and continues into later life. An example would be a 50 year marriage in which abuse was perpetrated throughout the course of the entire marriage. DV can also be new in later life, such as an older adult who experiences DV for the first time when she starts dating after the death of her spouse, a man who is abused by his wife for the first time after his wife develops dementia, or an older adults who is abused by her daughter after her daughter becomes her caregiver. Common perpetrators of DVLL include current or former spouses/partners, family members, and caregivers.

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Unique Aspects of DVLL

There are some unique aspects of DVLL. Compared to younger victims, older adults

are more likely to fear being institutionalized if they report DVLL (especially if the

perpetrator is a caregiver), older adults who have mental impairment, such as dementia,

may face greater barriers to being believed, and when the perpetrator is an adult child,

some older adults reporting feeling responsible, shameful, guilty, and/or a desire to

protect the adult child.

 

Furthermore, while some people think that domestic violence and elder abuse as two distinct forms of abuse, victims of DVLL are victims of both. It is therefore imperative that both systems work together to help victims of DVLL.

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Resources for More Information

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  • National Clearinghouse in Abuse in Later Life (NCALL): Link

  • Administration for Community Living (ACL): Link

  • National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Guide to Aging Network & Victim Service Programs: Link

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*The information presented on this page reflect broad definitions used in client services and academia. Legal definitions of domestic violence and elder abuse vary. For more information on laws in Ohio, please click here.

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