One of the biggest surprises in writing this blog has been discovering how much research exists on sexual abuse of older women – and how rarely it’s spoken about. There’s still a myth that rape or sexual assault only happens to younger women. The truth is, women can experience sexual violence at any age.

For some older women, sexual violence is a recent experience; for others, it may have happened decades ago. Many have lived with trauma for most of their lives, sometimes without ever telling anyone. Research from SARSAS* found that many older women tell themselves they “should be over it by now,” but trauma doesn’t fade with age. Whether it happened five days ago or fifty years ago, the impact is still real.

It’s also worth remembering that until 1991, rape within marriage wasn’t a crime in the UK. Interestingly, a YouGov survey (March 2022) found that over a third of over-65s don’t consider forced sex within marriage to be rape. For women who grew up before the 90’s, it can be hard to name what happened as abuse or to believe they’ll be taken seriously. Some fear not being believed, upsetting family, or losing independence – especially if they rely on the abuser for care or housing.

Other research led by Dr Hannah Bowes at Durham University shows that society’s discomfort with sex and ageing adds another layer of silence. Talking about sex in later life is still seen as taboo, and that makes it even harder for older survivors to come forward.

Despite the stereotype, The South West Rape Crisis Partnership found that most abusers are not strangers. The most common perpetrators of sexual violence against women aged 55 and over were partners, ex-partners, or spouses and when looking at where most of the abuse took place SARSAS’s research revealed that 54% of older women were abused at home and 21% in care homes. In addition and staggeringly, in just three months, the Care Quality Commission recorded 899 reports of sexual abuse in adult social care.

Reports from Hourglass and the World Health Organization (WHO) show that sexual violence against older women is still hugely underreported. Ageism and a lack of understanding make it even harder for survivors to get the support they need and deserve.

Every survivor deserves understanding, to be believed and supported and hope whenever they’re ready to reach out.

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence, you’re not alone and we are here to listen and help.

📞 Helpline: 0808 802 3344
💬 Text: 07860 022 333
🌐 Website: www.supportafterrapeleeds.org.uk