Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Social work, the court system, the aging network, law enforcement and others identify and treat domestic violence. The aging network has tended to focus on services related to neglect and financial exploitation. Domestic violence service networks have tended to focus women in their child-bearing years, on removing the victim from her abuser, and helping her to gain economic and social independence. The results of this study suggest that neither approach may be appropriate for older women who experience partner abuse.

Purpose: This NIJ funded study was conducted to better understand service needs and utilization patterns of older women who experience partner abuse.

Subjects: 134 women participated in 21 focus groups in three ethnic/racial groups (Hispanic, Black, White), age cohorts (45-59, 60-74, 75+), two income levels and two victimization statuses (victim/non-victim).

Methods: Focus groups were recorded and transcribed. ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software, was used to organize and assist in the analysis. Preliminary codes were developed from the transcripts. Themes regarding the primary research questions were identified and named. Researchers explored linkages between codes, generated themes, and maped relationships.

Results: Although most respondents were drawn from a newspaper advertisement seeking participants in a study of “conflict in relationships” which did not mention the words “abuse” or “violence” a surprising number, about 25%, of women indicated that they had been physically abused. A majority felt they had experience partner at some time.

One of the most important themes to emerge from this study was the reluctance of most respondents to consider treatment options that included removal from the home either for the abuser or the victim. Respondents indicated mixed attitudes about involving police or justice systems, often expressing fears about the consequences for themselves, their spouses or their family. Respondents generally indicated believing that services provided through the domestic violence network were designed for younger populations, and that older women would either not be welcome or would find services unhelpful or uncomfortable.

Many felt that no services were available, and that there was no outreach or awareness of the problem. While most concepts that emerged from the study were relatively stable across race and ethnic lines, spiritually appeared more important to Black and Latina women in coping with abuse. Many of them to sought help from clergy or church groups. Most often these institutions did not provide adequate assistance. There were no reports of contacts with clergy resulting in referrals to domestic violence services. Most reports indicated that such contacts produced disappointing results.

Implications for social work providers include the need for outreach and coordination of efforts with law enforcement, the court system, information and referral systems—especially hotlines. Findings suggest a need for providers to reach out to churches, clergy and faith-based providers, particularly in minority communities. Respondents indicated requiring new types of domestic violence services that were minimally disruptive to their homes and social networks, yet effective at reducing their risk of experiencing physical and psychological abuse.