Abstract
This chapter commences by considering the position of older women and their invisibility within a broader societal context. It then describes the relevance of invisibility for older women as survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) within the health and social care contexts. We will examine the immediate and longer-term impact of IPV and/or domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in later life and the possible reasons why older women do not report IPV or are not recognised as survivors of abuse by health and social care services. Finally, utilising a serious case review (SCR) example, the historical overlap with safeguarding services and the potential impact of this in terms of lack of access to specialist services and outcomes for older women are explored. This chapter is set within the overall context of service improvement and will conclude with a consideration of future practice and service development needs.
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Taylor and Francis and Emerald.
Two papers have informed the development of this chapter and some of the material used draws directly from these publications:
McGarry, J., Simpson, C., & Hinsliff-Smith K. (2014). An exploration of service responses to domestic abuse among older people: Findings from one region of the UK. Journal of Adult Protection, 16(4), 202–212.
McGarry, J., Simpson C., & Hinsliff-Smith, K. (2013). Safeguarding and domestic abuse: An intersection for future policy and practice development. Journal of Care Services Management, 6(4), 156–160.
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McGarry, J., Ali, P. (2019). The Invisibility of Older Women as Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. In: Bows, H. (eds) Violence Against Older Women, Volume I. Palgrave Studies in Victims and Victimology. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16601-4_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16601-4_3
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