Lifetime Abuse and the Barriers to Women Aged 50 and Over Using Domestic Violence Services in Germany

Women often suffer abuse for many years before they turn to social services for victims and survivors of domestic violence (DV). This article examines the barriers that prevent women aged 50 and over from using these services. Adopting an intersectional approach, the article presents findings from a qualitative research project conducted in Germany. The findings suggest that services designed for DV victims and survivors in mind have not succeeded in eliminating these barriers to older women accessing the services. This calls for age sensitivity so that DV services can actually provide support to DV victims and survivors of all ages that they claim to offer.