Health challenges of older women following attempted intimate partner homicide

Background and Objectives While some research exists on women who have survived attempted intimate partner homicide (IPH), studies focusing on survivors aged 60 years and older and how they cope with health concerns remain scarce. Guided by intersectionality as a theoretical framework, this study examined older women’s experiences of managing their health in the aftermath of surviving a violent attack by a male partner, considering how intersecting identities such as age, gender, and survivorship shape their health-related challenges. The insights gained could inform targeted interventions and policies to address this population’s unique vulnerabilities and care needs. Research Design and Methods Interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology was used to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine older women who had survived an attempted IPH. A purposeful sampling strategy was employed to identify women who had been legally or medically classified as survivors of attempted intimate partner homicide and self-identified as such. The interviews, guided by an interview guide, were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to elicit the main themes. Results Three themes emerged from the participants’ narratives: (a) the ripple effect of the injury, (b) reduced access to formal and informal health-related support systems, and (c) limited financial resources for recovery needs. Discussion and Implications The interplay of chronic health conditions, minimal support networks, and financial constraints highlights how advancing age, traumatic histories, and systemic healthcare gaps are mutually exacerbating. These findings underscore the value of integrated, age-conscious, and trauma-informed services and theoretical frameworks that address the complete spectrum of older survivors’ healthcare needs.