Violence against elderly women is a concerning problem in Mexico. Despite gender-based violence being brought to the forefront in recent years, violence against older women has been less recognized and studied. This is concerning as this population is vulnerable due to factors such as their age, gender, and, in the case of many of them, socio-economic factors.
Elderly women suffer physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence. Physical violence includes hitting, injuring, pushing, medication abuse, confinement at home, and abandonment. Sexual violence usually manifests in the form of harassment, sexual abuse, and rape. Economic violence refers to the limitation or control of economic resources, as well as denial of education, work, and healthcare.
Several studies show that violence against older women is present in all areas of their lives, such as home, community, social assistance, and healthcare institutions. Moreover, violence against elderly women is perpetrated by both strangers and close persons.
The lack of attention and protection for these women is a concerning issue in Mexico. Greater research and visibility of this problem are required to develop effective strategies to prevent and eradicate violence against elderly women in Mexico.
