“…Since 60 They Got Much Worse…”: Exploring Older Men’s Experiences of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence

A significant gap in research addresses the impacts and consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) among older men. This study addresses this gap by focusing on experiences of abuse perpetrated by female intimate partners occurring among men who are 60 years and older and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of IPV dynamics among older male victims. Thirty-five men over 60 years responded to an online open-ended questionnaire that explored their experiences of aggression and control from a female partner. Data were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. The three main themes from the analysis are (a) experiences of abuse since turning 60, (b) the lasting impacts on mental health, and (c) personal agency and emotional healing. The themes represent how men experience IPV after the age of 60 years, the role age plays in the abuse, and the impacts of abuse into older age. The study underscores the urgent necessity not only to better understand how to support older men in identifying and recognizing signs of abuse but also to seek support to work through the lasting and traumatic impacts. It is crucial that services are equipped to meet the needs of marginalized victim groups, ensuring that all victims and survivors of IPV receive the support necessary for a healthy recovery. The findings demonstrate a need for age- and gender-responsive domestic abuse support across sectors, including mental health, legal, and community services. We call for targeted funding and policy reform to address the unique needs of older male survivors.