A qualitative systematic review of the experiences of older people and practitioners in recognising and responding to domestic abuse in the older population

The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesise best evidence exploring the experiences of identifying and responding to domestic abuse (DA) in the older population from the perspectives of older people and of practitioners. Whilst awareness of DA in the older population is growing, there is still limited awareness and understanding of these experiences. Fifteen databases were searched for studies that included older victims-survivors (aged 60+) and/or practitioners’ experiences of DA with a total of 29 articles selected which met the inclusion criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Studies Checklist was used to undertake a critical appraisal, and included studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. The studies provide a wide-ranging overview of this phenomenon highlighting unique characteristics of DA in the older population. Key findings included that the identification of abuse in the older population as DA is problematic, as is the nature of agency and organisational responses, such as availability of suitable resources. The findings highlight a range of interconnecting complexities which influence help-seeking and professional responses to DA in the older population, including systemic failures, institutional biases and deeply embedded ageist assumptions which affect older victims-survivors. It is also evident that there is a lack of research which explores this area from an intersectional perspective including, for example, consideration of age alongside gender, disability, ethnicity and sexuality. Several recommendations are suggested to enhance intervention in this area, including the need for policy and practice reform, as well as additional research.