Use of Domestic Violence Services Across Race and Ethnicity by Women Aged 55 and Older

This study focuses on 2,702 White, African American, and Hispanic female victims of domestic violence aged 55 and older who sought services from domestic violence programs. The experiences of these elders in terms of the type of abuse, the relationship to the abuser, the referral source, and service needs are described. Findings indicate that older women in the domestic violence service system have different experiences than persons in the adult protective service system. They are more frequently victims of intimate partner violence and have corresponding service needs that vary by race and ethnicity. The implications for older victims of domestic violence are discussed.