Domestic violence and aging women

Domestic violence against woman is a significant health problem in this country and worldwide A group that has been neglected, however, in discussion of this problem are older women. Although one might assume that domestic violence against older women is included in discussions of elder abuse, that body of literature actually may obscure the problem for several reasons. This article discusses the background of domestic violence against older women in two contexts: long-standing wife abuse and abuse of are caregivers. Suggestions for assessment and intervention included. (Geriatr Nurs 2000;21:188-93).