Like many younger victims of domestic violence, older victims of domestic violence often choose to not reveal abuse by intimate partners and family members.

This can be due to fear, shame, loneliness, fear of being institutionalized, fear of being disbelieved and separation from family. It can also include concerns about the person who hurts them.

Abuse in later life is often a continuation of on-going violence as partners age. This is referred to as “domestic violence grown old”.

Victims of abuse later in life are typically 50 years of age and older and are primarily women. Every year, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, and other forms of abuse and neglect.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, Elder mistreatment (i.e. abuse and neglect) is defined as intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended) to a vulnerable elder by a spouse/caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder. This includes failure by a spouse/caregiver to satisfy the elder’s basic needs or to protect the elder from harm.

Research suggest that elders who have been abused are more likely to die earlier than those not living with abuse, even though they do not have a chronic or life threatening condition. One in fourteen cases of elder abuse ever comes to the
attention of authorities.

Some indicators that elderly abuse has occurred are: broken bones, fractures, sprains, burns from cigarettes, hot water and appliances, history or similar injuries, delay between onset of injury and seeking medical attention, and unexplained injuries or explanations that do not “fit”.

If you suspect an elder is being abused by their spouse you can, support the elderly victim. Avoid telling them what they should do, but instead, give them options on ways they can keep their self safe. Refer them to the local domestic violence program or call 9-1-1 or local law enforcement.

To report suspected elderly abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Louisiana call 1-800-898-4910. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call Andrea Malone – DART Advocate, at (318) 395-8006. All of DART’s services are free and confidential.