This report is also available in Norwegian.
During the past decade, we have acquired more knowledge about violence in close relationships, for example, through national and international prevalence studies.
The report of the World Health Organisation “Global Status Report on Violence Prevention” from 2014 highlights Norway’s efforts in this area. At the same time, it states that Norway has not conducted any national prevalence studies on violence against elderly people, and does not have any policies, plans of action, support systems or prevention programmes in place that are specially aimed at the elderly age groups. This project is part of NKVTS’ research programme on violence in close relationships, which was implemented on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
This report describes the results of the first national prevalence survey on personal safety and quality of life among elderly women and men in Norway. The prevalence of violence and abuse after the victim of violence has turned the age of 65 years and in the past year is described. In addition, an account of how many of the respondents stated that they have been exposed to severe physical violence or severe sexual abuse earlier in life is provided.
The report describes many different circumstances connected to exposure to violence and abuse in old age, and a number of health, social and psychological consequences are discussed. A consistent characteristic is that victims of violence rarely tell others about their situation and few victims contact the support services and legal system.