An Ecological Synthesis of Research on Older Women's Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

In this systematic literature review, we synthesized the current knowledge of intimate partner violence experienced by older women. We identified 32 studies that included data collected from older women and synthesized the findings using the ecological model as an organizing framework. Themes in the microsystem included the immediate context in which the abuse takes place and impacts on older women. The mesosystem included themes on the older woman's relationships with her social network. Themes in the exosystem encompassed community-based services. Finally, themes in the macrosystem encompassed broad ideologies, mores, and influences of the geographic location. We used the ecological model to frame a discussion of implications for future research, policy, and practice.

Keywords:

• older women
• intimate partner violence
• ecological model

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A previous version of this paper was presented at the 2009 Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology. We acknowledge the assistance provided by Martha MacLure.