First South African Gender-based Violence Study (women >50)

Background: While there is consensus that women aged 50 and older remain at risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), there is a pronounced lack of understanding about the prevalence, forms, and risk factors for IPV in this age group, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methodology: The prevalence and associated factors of recent IPV among South African women age 50 and older (n=1,726) were examined using cross-sectional data drawn from the First South African National Gender-based Violence Study. IPV (physical and/or sexual, emotional, economic) and controlling behaviours in the past 12 months were assessed. Poisson univariable and multiple regression with a log link and robust variance estimators were used
to estimate crude and adjusted relative risks (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals. Principal Findings: Approximately 1 in 12 (8.2%, n=149) women reported at least one form of IPV. Women aged 50–59 had a higher relative risk of physical and/or sexual (8.23 [2.66-25.45]), economic (2.99 [1.14-7.85]), emotional (2.12 [1.01-4.43]), and any forms of IPV (2.05 [1.21-3.45]) than women aged ≥60. Relative risk for physical and/or sexual (3.62 [1.11-11.82] IPV and any form of IPV (1.77 [1.01-3.12]) were statistically higher for Black women. Currently married women had a significantly higher relative risk of emotional (2.47 [1.35-4.53]) and controlling behaviours (2.71 [1.63-4.50]). Mild and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were also strongly associated with IPV across all typologies (physical and/or sexual: 6.31 [1.83-21.82], economic: (3.64 [1.27-10.42], emotional: (4.57 [1.82-11.48]), controlling behaviours: (3.58 [1.89-6.78]). Conclusions: There exists a persistent, yet under-recognised, burden of IPV and poor mental health among older South African women. Findings underscore an urgent need for age-sensitive, intersectional approaches to violence prevention and mental health support. As South Africa's population ages, integrating IPV screening and tailored interventions into health and social care systems will be crucial for promoting healthy ageing.