“Who Would Sexually Assault an 80-Year-Old Woman?”: Barriers to Exploring and Exposing Sexual Assault Against Women in Late Life

Abstract

<jats:p> The phenomenon of Sexual Assault against Women in Late Life (SAWLL) has received increasing research attention in recent years. Yet, there is still only scant knowledge on it, compared with research on the sexual assault of younger women. Sexual assault is considered a sensitive topic, generally characterized by a conspiracy of silence. The aim of this article is to explore the barriers that hinder the identification and exposure of SAWLL, as reported by professionals. The research question was as follows: How do welfare and health care professionals present the motives and processes that obstruct exploring, exposing, and intervening in cases of SAWLL? A qualitative research design was used. Participants were 18 experienced welfare and health care professionals engaged in intervention with sexual assault in late life victims as well as offenders. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed and thematically analyzed. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) Leading Negative Emotions, (b) Lack of Language, (c) Implications of Cumulative and Complex Trauma, and (d) Social Exclusion. Women and professionals alike undergo complementary processes involving silence and silencing. These processes construct a “wall” of barriers, requiring professionals’ sensitivity and awareness to deconstruct these barriers. Professional intervention through open discourse with the abused women can break this conspiracy of silence. We recommend that training programs for professionals intervening in cases of elder abuse and neglect will be directed along two paths: The first path should focus on professionals’ competence and skills, and the second path should address the women’s specific needs. These programs will include a particular module that will specifically address SAWLL. This module should comprise knowledge on typical emotional reactions to SAWLL, the use of language in creating reality, cumulative and complex trauma, and the social construction of ageism and sexism, which lead to social exclusion. </jats:p>

Sexual violence in older adults: a Belgian prevalence study

“…Moreover, health care workers feel that sexuality and SV are not legitimate topics to discuss with older adults and are worried to offend their patients when they do so [20, 21]. Also, they seem to have insufficient communication skills to adequately deal with SV in later life [22].…”

‘Breaking the silence’: Sexual victimisation in an old age psychiatry patient population in Flanders

“…Health care professionals are particularly worried that opening Pandora's box of sexual victimisation will break down the victims' defence mechanisms and that they will feel shocked and helpless when confronted with SV disclosure by older victims. 17 In our study we took several measures to ensure patients felt comfortable revealing SV during a face-to-face interview. To maximize disclosure the questionnaire built up towards the SV modules.…”

“…15,16 Moreover, they seem to lack the appropriate communication skills to adequately deal with SV in later life. 17 Since 30% of the European population and 25% of the Belgian population is estimated to be 65 years or older by 2060 18 , an increased need for mental health care services for older adults is to be expected.…”

“Breaking the silence”: Sexual victimisation in an old age psychiatry patient population in Flanders

“…15,16 Moreover, they seem to lack the appropriate communication skills to adequately deal with SV in later life. 17…”