Domestic abuse or violence isn’t ageist and elderly people are just as susceptible as younger generations to encounter abuse at the hands of an intimate partner. The difference is, the public is much less likely to hear about it.
Some reasons many seniors may stay silent are:
• They grew up and was married at a time when domestic abuse was more tolerated and ignored
• Their values or culture may be different from younger generations
• They have lived with the abuse for many years and their self-esteem has suffered as a result, which could mean abuse has become “normal” to them
• They may feel a sense of shame or guilt for letting the abuse continue for as long as it has.
• They may feel a sense of duty to take care of their aging partner which prevents them from reporting their partner to police for fear of what might happen
• They are financially dependent on their partner
• They may be afraid to live alone after being with their partner for so many years, or may be afraid they will be institutionalised in a care home
• They may not have a support network of family or friends nearby close by
• They may have a lack of information about types of domestic violence and what their alternatives may be