When SKPF received responses from 2,500 of its members across the country, almost 8 percent said they or someone close to them had been subjected to violence, threats or abuse after the age of 60.
The victim is often financially or practically dependent on the perpetrator. It can be physically difficult for the victim to leave.
Extra vulnerable
In SKPF's survey, 70 percent said they believe that violence and abuse against the elderly have increased in recent years.
A report from Tantjourerna and the National Organization for Women's Shelters and Girls' Shelters (Roks) published in December shows that the vulnerability of older women is problematic in several ways. There is a risk that the violence is attributed to something else.
Bruises are blamed on fragile skin or on falling; stories of violence are explained away as confusion, says Liza di Paolo-Sandberg.
This contributes to making violence invisible. Anyone who is subjected to psychological, physical or financial abuse by a partner, child or caregiver can feel very alone. Being exploited financially by an adult child is associated with great shame and it can feel difficult to ask for help.
Anna Maria Crabo at Tantjouren Norrköping says that the women themselves do not always see that it is violence.
We talk to older women who have lived for decades in destructive relationships and say, “It is what it is.” It is so shameful to talk about it as violence, she says.
Children as perpetrators
For anyone who senses that something is not right, it is important to ask uncomfortable questions, listen and act, she says.
41 percent of those who responded to SKPF's survey also stated that they have little or very little confidence that older people are treated well in elderly care. 27 percent responded that they themselves or a close relative have experienced offensive or inappropriate treatment in elderly care or healthcare.
It's a big problem; it's a place where you have to feel safe. We also see a great need for increased knowledge within elder care about how violence against the elderly manifests itself, says Liza di Paolo-Sandberg.
