Transition houses and safe home networks have been delivering shelter and support to abused women and their children for over a quarter of a century in British Columbia. A number of years ago, front line staff identified the need for services for children coming to shelters who, together with their mothers, were fleeing the violence in their homes. Such growing awareness prompted the development of special programs within transition houses and the communities they serve for children affected by family violence. Programs to aid abused older women need to be created in response to a similarly identified need. Although research is still limited in this area, a study conducted by Finkelhor and Pellemer in 1988 points out that, in some cases, what is viewed as elder abuse because it happens later in life is actually spouse abuse that has continued throughout the years.
Shelters across the province are mandated to provide services to women of any age who are victims of intimate violence. Statistics reveal, however, that the number of older women who are living in abusive relationships is not accurately reflected in the number of older women who seek refuge at transition houses. On the surface, it would appear that the level of abuse of older women is very low. The reality is quite different, and the needs of abused older women have not been adequately addressed at the provincial level. Few programs exist which specifically serve this group.
Older women, more vulnerable perhaps because of frailty, poor health, financial or emotional dependency, need time to come to terms with their situation and make decisions. Concerns relating to privacy, family solidarity, fear of public exposure and abuser retaliation often pose additional barriers. The shame and embarrassment at having raised a child who has become abusive - perhaps worse than that of being abused by a spouse - combined with a desire for privacy, present an abused woman with what may seem insurmountable obstacles.
The communal living situations of the transition house frequently increases stress for older women who seek refuge from abuse. A full house is usually a signal of the presence of many children, all of whom, like their mothers, are trying to cope in difficult circumstances. Transition houses endeavour to have quiet space available for women, but in full house situations, that is not always possible. Older women may find the shelter too noisy and disruptive and for these reasons, may return home after only a short stay. Or they may consider being in a shelter too shameful - an option to be exercised only as a last resort.
Staff at transition houses are very supportive but frequently are overloaded with their duties. Staff may also not be fully aware of the issues facing abused older women, and this possibility, in addition to time constraints, may have an impact upon the older abused woman with special needs. Assistance with medication dispensing or bathing and personal hygiene can become problematic in such circumstances, for example. Women with physical disabilities may find some transition houses unable to accommodate wheelchairs. For some women, the threat of being abandoned or placed in a nursing home creates additional stress. Many women, regardless of age or ability level, may consider the known abuse more tolerable than the fear of the unknown: Where will I live? What will I do? Who will help me?
A number of transition houses throughout the province do offer some specialized services to this group of women, but they are in a minority and are leaders in this field. In order to begin the process of finding options and solutions in providing shelter and support that works for older women, the BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses, in partnership with the BC Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors, is initiating a research project to determine what services transition and other safe homes currently offer older women, and what is needed to help support them in their efforts. Similar research is underway in the United States, and we hope to use the tools developed from studies there in progressing with this important work.
—Greta Smith
Executive Director
BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses