Services and Programming for Older Abused Women: The Ohio Experience

ABSTRACT Over the last ten years, a growing body of literature has examined services for older women who are abused. This article describes the results from a statewide survey of Ohio's domestic violence (DV) centers' programs and services for older women. Surveys were mailed to all Ohio DV centers in spring 2002, with a follow-up mailing and phone calls, yielding a 73% response rate. Seventy-eight percent had sheltered as least one woman over 55 years old during 2001. Other programs were serving some older women as well. While less than half of the centers educated their staff and volunteers about the needs of older women, 57% had provided training to aging agencies about DV. More collaboration and cross training with aging agencies was recommended to better meet the needs of older women.

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