Intimate partner violence among older LGBTQ+ adults

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) adults, representing all sexual and gender minority people aged 50 and older, form a growing but understudied and underserved population who face increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and worse health-related outcomes compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The goal of this chapter is to review intersectional, minority stress (ageism, sexism, heterosexism, cisgenderism) theory, identify prevalence rates and risk factors for IPV victimisation and perpetration among older LGBTQ+ adults, acknowledge barriers to reporting within the health care and criminal justice system, highlight older LGBTQ+ populations at increased risk (women, veterans, the oldest-old, bisexual and transgender adults, people of colour and Native American Indian and Alaskan Native adults), describe US policy related to IPV prevention, assessment and treatment, including the extent to which social services provide age-and LGBTQ+-appropriate support, and address overarching inequities, injustices and needs. Benchmark programmes are highlighted, and recommendations are offered for international health surveillance, research and policy.