Rape of Older People in the UK

• In Event: Sexual Victimization

Abstract

The world population is rapidly ageing. By 2030 over a billion people worldwide are forecast to be over 65. In the UK, 10.3 million people are aged 65 or over and this number is projected to increase to over 16 million in the next 20 years (Minocha et al, 2013). It is a seldom acknowledged reality that many women will experience sexual violence in their ‘golden years’ (Lundy, 2004). Several commentators have highlighted the lack of research on the prevalence, nature, and impact of sexual violence against older women (See Ball, 2005), described as one of the final taboos of modern life (Jones & Powell, 2006). The overlap of age and sexual violence has been marginalised in mainstream criminological, gerontological, and feminism discourses, in particular (Jones & Powell, 2006).

This paper presents findings from a mixed-method study which analysed the prevalence of sexual violence against older people through data collected using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to police forces in the UK, and explored the impacts and service needs of older age groups through interviews with women survivors and professionals working in sexual violence and age-related support organisations. Implications for policy makers, practitioners and researchers are discussed.

Author

• Hannah Bows, Teesside University - UK