Nonphysical Abuse: Findings in Domestic Violence Against Older Women Study

ABSTRACT

This article reports findings regarding nonphysical abuse of middle-aged and older women in intimate relationships based on 21 focus groups with 134 women ages 45 to 85 years. Computer assisted qualitative data analysis was used to organize and analyze data. Descriptions of nonphysical violence appeared clustered under the notion that power and control dynamics were integrally related to the effect of such abuse on older women and that as a result nonphysical abuse might be more difficult to endure and have more lasting effects than physical violence. Generational influences and the context of long-lasting, abusive relationships appeared to contribute to attitudes of participants regarding nonphysical abuse. These findings have not been previously documented in women in this target age group.

KEYWORDS:

• Domestic violence
• elder abuse
• nonphysical abuse
• psychological abuse
• power and control
• middle-aged women
• later life

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ#2002-WG-BX-0100).