Coercive Control and Physical Violence in Older Adults: Analysis Using Data From the National Elder Mistreatment...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Criminology
• Sociology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among women of all ages.
• Research acknowledges IPV's distinct nature in younger adults, but its characteristics in older adults remain understudied.
• Coercive controlling violence, a form of IPV involving physical, psychological, and financial abuse, has not been adequately examined in older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of coercive control in physical intimate partner violence among older adults (age 60+).
• To compare the occurrence of coercive control when the perpetrator is an intimate partner versus a non-intimate partner.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Elder Mistreatment Study.
• Examined the relationship between intimate partner violence, coercive control, and physical abuse in older adults.

Main Results:

• Older adults experiencing emotional coercive control by intimate partners are more likely to face physical abuse at age 60 or older.
• Lifetime trauma, poor health, and limited social support significantly increase the likelihood of physical abuse in older adults.
• Victim's sex was not a significant factor in the likelihood of experiencing physical abuse.

Conclusions:

• Coercive control by intimate partners is a significant risk factor for physical abuse in older adults.
• Addressing lifetime trauma, improving health, and enhancing social support are crucial for preventing elder abuse.
• IPV in older adults, particularly coercive control, warrants further research and targeted interventions.