Analysis of the Impact of Abuse and Support Needs of Older Women.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Living with the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence: A Cross-Case Analysis of the Experiences and Support Needs of Older Women.
IRAS ID
287127
Contact name
Margaret Conroy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lancaster
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 26 days
Research summary
Aim:
To better understand the experiences of older women, who are living with the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV), with a view to improving support services.
Rationale for the Study:
A growing number of older women are living with the impact of abuse. Latest figures indicate a 15.9% lifetime prevalence for women age 60-74 (CESW 2019). There is an absence of research on the impact of abuse on older women, both historic and in the present. The consequences of living with chronic abuse are far reaching; in addition to physical harms, psychological harms may have long-standing impacts, all of which will affect how support needs are recognised and responded to.
Main Research Questions:
What are the lived experiences of older women living in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV)?
To what extent is there a shared understanding between the professional teams involved, around recognising and supporting the needs of these women and how can support be improved?
The study has 2 phases:
Phase 1:
In-depth Interviews with up to 10 women over the age of 60, who are living with the impact of abuse.
Analysis of the health and social care records of these women.
Phase 2:
Five focus groups with a range of health and social care professionals and other service providers for older people.
Analysis of local health and social care policy documents around domestic abuse and safeguarding.
Observation of multi-agency meetings e.g. safeguarding meetings
Both NHS and non-NHS sites (Adult Social Care Services, Domestic Abuse Services, charities) will be used to help recruit participants for both phases of the study. The study is part of a 3-year ESRC competitively funded PhD study.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0233
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion