Elderly victims of gender violence in Portugal: Invisible and not heard?

Health Care Women Int. 2016 Dec;37(12):1304-1319. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2016.1179311. Epub 2016 Apr 19.

Abstract

In this article, we explore professionals' representations of elderly female victims of gender violence. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore seven professionals' work philosophies and intervention methodologies in their work with elderly female victims of violence, their main problems and difficulties, and their perspectives regarding shelters for elderly women. Results show that there are no specific philosophies and methodologies to intervene with these victims. There is a tendency to homogenize all the victims of gender violence, regardless of their age and specific needs. The professionals also tended to trivialize gender violence against elderly female victims, considering that these women tolerate violence.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Discrimination, Psychological
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel*
  • Health Services for the Aged
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Portugal
  • Qualitative Research
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Violence / psychology*