Intimate Partner Violence and Health Status Among Older Women

As the baby boomer generation ages, there are more than 18 million women older than 65 (13.4% of the female population in the United States). More than 41% of these women remain in intimate relationships with their partner and thus become vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV). This group of women represents a unique group in the violence literature. Most of this literature has focused on IPV in women of childbearing age. What happens to these women and their relationships as they age? How does IPV differ for women who are not functionally dependent and not relying on their intimate partner for care? This article discusses the epidemiology of IPV, the health effects of IPV, and strategies for identification and intervention by health providers for this group of older women.