Intimate partner violence affects people of all ages and it can look different at each stage of life. Seniors face unique challenges, often complicated by health issues, financial dependence and social isolation. This November, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we discuss how domestic violence impacts older adults and how they, along with community support workers, can recognize signs, seek help and create safer environments.
Understanding the Unique Challenges Seniors Face
For older adults, intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, can take on subtle but deeply impactful forms. Emotional, financial and physical abuse may be compounded by life circumstances and age-related changes that make it harder to seek help or even recognize abusive patterns. Here are some of the key challenges many seniors face:
- Social isolation: As individuals age, they may lose social contacts and family members, leading to isolation. For seniors experiencing intimate partner violence, this isolation can mean a lack of social support to recognize or address the abuse.
- Health and mobility issues: Seniors may face physical limitations or chronic illnesses, which can make it difficult to escape an abusive situation. Dependence on a partner for care can keep seniors from speaking up about the abuse.
- Mental and cognitive health: In 2024, 8.7% of people in Canada over age 65 have some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some become violent towards their partners, while in other cases, frustrated caregivers become physically or verbally violent towards their spouses.
- Coercive control: Coercive control is a strategic form of ongoing oppression that instills fear. The abuser will use tactics such as limiting access to money, monitoring all communication, gaslighting and name-calling as controlling actions. While illegal in the U.K. since 2015, a coercive control bill is just now before the Canadian Senate.
- Financial dependence: Many seniors rely on their partners financially, primarily if one partner controls their shared income or pension. Financial dependence can create barriers to leaving an abusive relationship, including homelessness, lack of money and no access to credit.
- Societal and generational beliefs: Older adults may have grown up in a time when domestic violence was rarely discussed or acknowledged, leading some to feel a sense of shame or fear of judgment when seeking help. Men are ashamed to admit they’ve been abused.
Common Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a study of women aged 60 years and older revealed that physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence remained the most frequently experienced forms of abuse. Some women reported that as their partners aged, they experienced a shift from predominantly physical and/or sexual violence to psychological violence. These include threats of abandonment, withholding food or medication and other controlling behaviours.
The study also found that some accounts of violence are marginalized and dismissed by responders.
Statistics Canada reported in 2019 that 7.1% of Canadian seniors reported experiencing emotional or financial abuse and 1.5% reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse by an intimate partner. They also found that senior women who experienced police-reported violence were twice as likely to have been victimized by an intimate partner compared with senior men (16% versus 7%). While intimate partner violence also existed in same-sex partnerships, it was more frequent between male partners than female partners.
Sadly, intimate partner violence against seniors is a steadily increasing problem in Canada, although the higher numbers may indicate more abuse is being reported.
Recognizing Signs of Intimate Partner Violence Among Seniors
Seniors, family members and community support workers need to recognize the signs of domestic violence, which can be subtle or mistakenly attributed to other factors like aging or illness. Here are some indicators to watch for:
- Physical injuries: Unexplained bruises, cuts or frequent injuries with inconsistent explanations.
- Emotional changes: Sudden mood swings, depression or anxiety, which might indicate emotional or psychological abuse.
- Social withdrawal: Isolation from friends or family, often at the insistence of a controlling partner.
- Financial discrepancies: Unusual bank transactions, unpaid bills or sudden changes in financial status.
Supporting Seniors Facing Intimate Partner Violence
For seniors experiencing intimate partner violence, resources are available that respect their unique needs and situations. Here are a few ways to find support and help:
- Community resources: Local shelters and support services often provide specific programs for older adults facing intimate partner violence. Many organizations offer confidential help and can assist with safe housing, legal advice and financial planning.
- Transition houses and safe homes: Find and contact a transition house or safe home near you in B.C. Search by keyword, location, organization, program, contact details and type of service.
- Healthcare providers: Talking to a trusted healthcare provider can be a safe first step for seniors dealing with intimate partner violence. Many doctors and nurses are trained to recognize signs of abuse and can provide referrals to helpful resources.
- National helplines: Several helplines assist those facing abuse in Canada. The Seniors Safety Line (1-866-299-1011) is one resource for older adults, offering confidential support 24/7.
- Education and awareness campaigns: Many communities offer awareness programs in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. These can help break down stigma, provide information on intimate partner violence in older populations and foster community support networks.
Steps Community Support Workers Can Take
As a community support worker, you play a vital role in recognizing and addressing intimate partner violence among seniors. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Stay informed and observant: Recognizing potential signs of abuse and knowing the resources available can help you offer support and guidance.
- Create safe spaces for conversations: Seniors may hesitate to open up about their experiences, so establishing trust and a secure environment is essential.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness and inspire action to end gender-based violence. Launched by the UN in 1991, it is a key international movement to call for an end to violence against women and girls (VAWG). The campaign runs from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The 2024 campaign theme, “Every 11 Minutes a Woman is Killed,” highlights the need for community and collective action to prevent violence and support survivors. The initiative includes events, educational programs, and community engagement, with UN Women encouraging everyone to wear orange during this period to symbolize hope for a future free from violence.
Throughout the 16 days, participants are encouraged to share resources, educate themselves and others, and support survivors by donating to organizations working to end gender-based violence. Learn more on Canada’s official page on 16 Days of Activism.
Taking a Stand: Resources and Hope
Intimate partner violence is serious at any age, but seniors in Canada face distinct obstacles that require specialized support. As we move through November’s 16 Days of Activism, let’s raise awareness, offer compassion, and spread information on available resources. Every senior deserves to live with dignity, safety, and peace.
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
