Prevalence estimates and factors associated with violence among older adults: National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence (NISVS) Survey, 2016/2017

ABSTRACT

Abuse of older adults is a public health problem. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) is a nationally-representative, telephone survey for non-institutionalized adults in the United States. To determine the prevalence and factors of intimate partner psychological aggression and physical violence and sexual violence by any perpetrator against older adults, we analyzed NISVS 2016/2017 data (n = 10,171, aged ≥ 60 years). Past 12-month prevalence of psychological aggression, physical violence, and sexual violence was 2.1%, 0.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. Odds of psychological aggression were significantly higher among those with hearing or vision impairment, and lower among those aged ≥70 years. Odds of physical violence were significantly higher for males and for those with hearing or vision impairment. Odds of sexual violence were significantly higher for unpartnered individuals and those with cognitive impairment; and lower for those aged ≥ 70 years. Epidemiologic studies of violence against older adults can inform population-specific prevention strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Abuse of older adults
• elder abuse
• intimate partner violence
• risk factors
• sexual violence

Acknowledgments

Recognition is given to the team of people who substantially contributed to the original development of the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: Kathleen C. Basile, Michele C. Black, Matthew J. Breiding, James A. Mercy, and Linda E. Saltzman.

Disclosure statement

The findings and conclusions in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data availability statement

Historical data (2010–2015) from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey have been made available via the University of Michigan Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research data repository. The data used to conduct this study have not yet been made publicly available but are being prepared by CDC for public release. The corresponding author, [HZK], will provide information about the availability of the data and under what conditions the data can be accessed upon its release.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.