Daily HealthBeat Tip - April 27, 2007

Violence and older women

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Researchers say some women who are 65 and older still may be abused by spouses or other people they live with.

Amy Bonomi of Ohio State University bases that on a survey of women in western Washington state. More than a quarter reported being victims of physical, sexual or psychological mistreatment at some time in their lives. More than 2 percent said it happened in the past year.

Bonomi says there is help:

``What we  would recommend is that women in an abusive relationships talk to a trusted person, whether that be a health care provider, a pastor, a friend or a family member.’’  (9 seconds)

She says if it’s happening now, seek police help or a shelter.

Her study in the journal The Gerontologist was supported by HHS’ Agency for Health Research and Quality.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: April, 27 2007