Appeal to help the silent sufferers

PA 153/09 A unique research project into the highly sensitive problem of domestic violence towards older women is appealing for more volunteers to come forward to share their past or present experience confidentially. Researchers from The University of Nottingham's Division of Nursing are looking for around 20 women aged over 59 in the Nottinghamshire area to take part in one-to-one confidential interviews about their experiences. 12 participants have already taken part since the project started last year but more are needed to complete this valuable study aimed at helping those who have experienced abuse and health professionals deal with the problem. One participant who has already been interviewed, Ann aged 63, told the researchers: "A lot of older women stay in the abusive partnership, and remain in it, because they don't know there is any support out there. A lot of women never talk about it. I think it is the 'hiddenness' of it that is the problem actually, and I think that needs to stop. I think we've got to give permission to women, to get people to realise that it is very wrong that they have been abused." Leading the study, Dr Julie McGarry, says: "Older women who suffer domestic abuse are historically a silent section of our society.