Sexual Violence Against Older People

Research on sexual violence has been a growing area of academic study since the 1970s. However, the focus of these efforts has centred on younger women, leaving older women largely ignored in research. This book presents data from the first UK study to examine the extent, nature and impacts of sexual violence against people aged 60 and over. Drawing on both quantitative analysis of reported cases of sexual violence against people over 60 and qualitative interviews with practitioners in sexual violence and age-related organisations as well as survivors of sexual violence, this book situates the research findings in the context of feminist criminology and gerontology, and sets an agenda for future research, policy and practice. Sexual Violence against Older People is vital reading for practitioners and policymakers, and those engaged in studies of criminology, health and nursing, social work, elder abuse and violence against women.

Hannah Bows is deputy director of the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse and assistant professor in criminal law at Durham Law School. Her research focuses on different forms of violence against women, particularly domestic and sexual violence. Her recent work includes a national study of rape of older people, a national study profiling homicide of older people and a study exploring 'risk' in relation to older sex offenders and policing. Outside the university she is the deputy director of the British Society of Criminology Victims Network and chair of Age UK Teesside, and sits as a magistrate on the Durham and Darlington bench.

- Introduction - Mapping the existing knowledge about sexual violence against older people - The extent and nature of serious sexual violence against older people in the UK - The impacts, support needs and gaps in service provision for older survivors: views of practitioners - Experiences of sexual violence as an older woman: case studies of survivors - Conclusions