Intimate Partner Victimization Among Adults Aged 60 and Older: An Analysis of the 1999 and 2004 General Social Survey

Abstract

Accounts in both the scientific literature and popular media have brought about increased recognition of the reality of elder abuse. However, relatively little work has examined intimate partner victimization with respect to older adults. In this study, weighted data from cycles 13 (1999) and 18 (2004) of the General Social Survey are pooled to examine how factors uniquely influence the prevalence and risk of emotional, financial, and physical abuse among adults aged 60 and over. Considerations regarding elder abuse committed by spouses, versus abuse of older adults more broadly (by their children and other adults), are also discussed.

Keywords:

• intimate partner victimization
• intimate partner abuse
• emotional abuse
• financial abuse
• physical abuse
• risk factors

Acknowledgments

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada or of the federal government.