Sexual Violence in Older Adults: A Belgian Prevalence Study

Background
Sexual violence (SV) is an important public health problem which may induce major sexual, reproductive, physical, and mental health problems in victims and their peers, offspring and community. However, knowledge on SV in older adults is limited. Hence, this prevalence study aims to contribute to a better understanding of SV at older age .

Methods
Between July 2019 and June 2020, 768 older adults of 70 years and older living in Belgium will be interviewed on their exposure to SV victimisation and perpetration since childhood and its associated risk factors and consequences. Participants are selected via a cluster random probability sampling procedure.

Results
Preliminary analysis of 433 interviews indicate that 44% of respondents (54%F; 31%M) experienced at least one event of SV over their life course, 35% (43% F; 23% M) experienced hands-off SV, 27% (35% F; 17% M) hands-on SV and 9% (9% F; 8% M) reported to be sexually victimised in the last 12 months. 10% of respondents (4%F, 18%M) reported sexual perpetration over life time.

Conclusion
Our preliminary data show a high prevalence of SV over the life course in both women and men, even after the age of 70 years. A more in-depth analysis of the results in necessary to get a better understanding of prevalence, risk factors and impact of SV at older age. In turn, this could contribute to a revision of current policies and health care practices, leading to preventive measures and more tailored care for older victims of SV.