Prevalence study of violence and abuse against older women (AVOW)

Violence and abuse against older women is still a taboo, although it is acknowledged internationally as a social problem.

This problem needs to be addressed quickly: the rapid ageing of the society means that there will be a growing population of elderly women living at home. Most vulnerable of them are dependant on care or assistance. To make a change, we need information to identify the issue and to intervene in it.

Results are out: 28% of older women in Europe have experiences violence or abuse in the last 12 months; emotional abuse being the most common form of abuse.

Tackling the issue with research and awareness raising

AVOW was a research project that

• demonstrated the prevalence of violence against older women in the home setting,
• demonstrated patters of violence and
• developed a tool for harmonized and comparable surveying.

The results of this research can help in the planning of support services for the victims of violence as well as in the development of preventive measures. Equally important is to make the issue visible and raise awareness among health care professionals, caretakers, policy makers and the general public.
Outcomes and reports

Results through European co-operation

The project involves partners from five EU countries: Finland, Austria, Belgium, Lithuania and Portugal. It was coordinated by the National Institute for Health and Welfare THL, Finland.  

This action received funding from the European Commission's Daphne III Programme. The sole responsibility lies with the author and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein:
Project fact sheet