Intimate Partner Violence and Rural Older Women Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley Funded by grant # R03HD from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD and the NIH Office of the Director (OD)

Introduction to IPV

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) IPV is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological abuse by a spouse or partner. IPV is prevalent among all races regardless of age, income, education, and social status.

IPV in Late Life: A Public Health Problem IPV is a hidden public health problem. Findings from national studies in which women ages 50+ were asked about their experience with IPV in the previous year indicate: 2 - 5% were physically abused % were psychologically abused

Traditional and cultural ideology often prevents women from seeking help or seeing themselves as victims. The culture of rural areas may conceal and facilitate IPV. IPV in Late Life: A Hidden Problem

IPV in Late Life: Impact on Victims Older women who remain in abusive relationships jeopardize their Physical and mental health General well-being Personal relationships Quality of life