Coercive Control and Physical Violence in Older Adults: Analysis Using Data From the National Elder Mistreatment Study

The most common perpetrators of physical violence against women of any age are their intimate partners. Although research on younger adults has recognized that intimate partner violence (IPV) is distinct in etiology, form, and consequence, whether the same is true for older adults has not been adequately studied. The extent and consequences of coercive controlling violence, IPV that involves physical violence coupled with psychological aggression and/or financial abuse, have not been examined in older populations. Using data from the National Elder Mistreatment Study, the current research examines if coercive control is more evident in physical violent victimizations of older adults (age 60 or older) when the perpetrator is an intimate partner compared with when the perpetrator is not an intimate partner. Findings indicate that older adults who experience emotional coercive control by intimate partners in their lifetime are more likely to experience physical abuse at age 60 or older. Furthermore, older adults who experienced trauma during their lifetime, were in poor health, and with less social support are more likely to experience physical abuse at age 60 or older. However, the victim's sex had no significant influence on the likelihood of experiencing physical abuse.