Domestic violence and stalking among older adults: An assessment of risk markers

There is limited empirical evidence regarding the extent to which older adults are physically abused by their spouse or partner, and the risk factors associated with such abuse. Much of what does exist focuses on either caregiver abuse or abuse occurring in institutional settings. Moreover, there is virtually no information on stalking victimization among older adults. The current study used the National Violence Against Women Survey to examine physical abuse and stalking victimization among a sample of adults ages 55 and older (N = 3,622). Similar to research conducted with younger samples, women age 55 and older were significantly more likely than men to be both stalked and physically assaulted. Significant racial differences also emerged with respect to intimate partner physical violence, but not stalking. Specifically, African-American and Hispanic respondents were more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence compared to White respondents. Income, however, was not significantly associated with either stalking or physical assault victimization.