‘They come with a package of issues’: challenges of supporting older victims of domestic violence and abuse

In this chapter, we focus on the experiences of front line and support workers, and how they characterise the task of supporting older victims of violence within their intimate and family relationships (domestic violence and abuse; DVA). Of particular interest are the perceived difficulties associated with supporting this population, characterised as barriers to help-seeking and barriers to help-giving. This is achieved in the first instance by summarising what has already been investigated in relation to this, and then we present the findings of a small interview study conducted with six professionals whose roles involve safeguarding older adults

'The more things change...': Barriers to community services utilisation in Queensland

Community services are central to the lives of many elderly Australians or Australians with disabilities if they are to remain in the community. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in policy and associated programs, significantly improving the standards of service delivery. This research reports on the perceptions of service providers in community services for people with disabilities in six communities in Queensland. It illustrates that significant barriers to service utilisation remain, despite reform. It suggests that continuous efforts to promote service access need to be built in at the program level

Barriers to Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Professionals and the public alike are puzzled by the seemingly irrational behavior of those who stay in abusive relationships. The most common question about intimate partner violence seems to be: “Why does she stay?” This chapter will present the latest research to shed light on the common barriers that make it difficult to leave an abusive relationship. It will address the process of leaving and the counter-intuitive reasons some return to these relationships. Studies reveal that leaving is typically not a single, sudden event, but rather a slow process through several stages. Key variables are organized by levels of the ecological framework. The main variables are clustered in three areas: (1) material resources, (2) psychological forces, and (3) social structural factors. The latter include the way in which formal and informal helpers all too often add insult to injury when survivors reach out for help and how helpers’ beliefs and behaviors are tied to patriarchal norms. Applicable theories of the stay/leave process are presented and assessed. Past empirical and theoretical reviews are updated. The updated information includes the unique experiences of distinctive subgroups. For example, particular barriers may exist for specific cultural groups, races, and religions. Those with children and with more traditional family norms face additional challenges. Counterintuitively, those married to an affluent, high-status abuser often encounter unique barriers. Information and insights from this chapter will help professionals, paraprofessionals, and nonprofessionals further their understanding of abuse victims. It will increase their sensitivity and effectiveness in responding to victims. Several innovative programs for improving survivors’ decision-making are described.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/156018/1/Saunders DG 2020 Barriers To Leaving An Abusive Relationship -Chapt in Handbook of Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan.pdfDescription of Saunders DG 2020 Barriers To Leaving An Abusive Relationship -Chapt in Handbook of Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan.pdf : Book chapte