Violence against older migrant women to be brought into the spotlight

The experiences of older migrant women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence are at the centre of a new research project at Jönköping University. The researchers will examine how older migrant women and migrant health and social care professionals perceive and interpret violence, support, and responses from services.

Intimate partner violence can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. For older women, it may be particularly difficult to seek help or leave an abusive relationship. Social norms surrounding marriage, gender roles, and family loyalty can make it harder to disclose abuse or ask for support. Dependence on a partner for health care, finances, or day-to-day support may also make it difficult to leave the relationship.

For migrant women, language barriers and limited knowledge of their rights and available support services can make it more difficult to access help. At the same time, the researchers emphasise that this is not a homogeneous group and that individuals’ experiences and circumstances vary considerably.

“No group should become invisible when society works to prevent violence. Our ambition is to highlight and increase understanding of the experiences and perspectives that older migrant women may have, which have so far received limited attention in research,” says Lena Östlund, Lecturer at the School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University.

Based on a fictional account of an older migrant woman

The study will be carried out through eight focus group interviews. Four groups will consist of older migrant women and four will consist of migrant staff working in regional and municipal health and social care services.

The interviews will be based on a fictional case study of an older woman subjected to violence. This approach makes it possible to discuss a sensitive topic without requiring participants to share personal experiences.

The project is being conducted in close collaboration with health communicators at Region Jönköping County, who contribute linguistic and cultural expertise. The aim is to increase knowledge of how support services can become more accessible and better adapted for older migrant women who experience violence.

Health communicators work to provide information about health and health care in several languages and with consideration for different cultural contexts. Their linguistic and cultural expertise will help ensure that the study design and materials are relevant, accessible, and ethically sound. The project will also be carried out in collaboration with the County Administrative Board of Jönköping.

“I see this research as important because it can help health and social care professionals become better equipped to identify and respond to intimate partner violence among older migrant women. Increased knowledge is a prerequisite for equitable health and social care,” says Lena Östlund.