Intimate partner violence linked to gambling: Cohort and period effects on the past experiences of older women

Background: Almost one-half of women aged 45 years or over have been victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime, and this proportion is likely to increase as the population ages. Women impacted by IPV related to gambling face unique challenges, yet there is a paucity of research into older women’s past experiences of gambling-related IPV. This paper explores past experiences of older women who are victim-survivors of male partner violence linked to gambling. Exploring the generational differences (cohort effects) and wider contextual differences (period effects) in which gambling-related IPV occurred offers valuable insights for services who support women impacted by this issue, and into the role of gender inequality and gambling in IPV. Methods: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 72 women as part of a larger study exploring the nature of the relationship between problem gambling and IPV. The current study analysed a subset of 22 interviews with women aged 50 years or over. We analysed the data within a gender-sensitive socio-ecological framework using an adaptive grounded theory approach. Women’s experiences are analysed in terms of cohort and period effects on their past experiences of IPV. Results: Cohort effects on the women’s experiences of IPV included gendered attitudes, traditional views of marriage, silence surrounding IPV, reticence to disclose the abuse, and little understanding of problem gambling. Period effects included a lack of services for IPV and gambling, gendered service responses, and a failure of some service and institutional responses to prioritise the safety of victims. Three main areas of influence on the women’s experiences were apparent - gender inequality, tolerant attitudes towards and limited understanding of IPV, and the role of gambling in IPV. These influences reflect prevailing attitudes, systems and societal norms at the time of their victimisation. Conclusion: The findings point to the critical importance of reducing gender inequality to reduce male partner violence towards women. Women impacted by gambling-related IPV, including the legacy of past abuse, need effective service responses. Service providers must recognise the many forms and patterns of abuse and understand the historical and contextual factors that underlie and exacerbate it.