Older women, the invisible survivors: Ending violence against women and girls across the life course

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and pervasive human rights abuses, impacting nearly 1 in 3 women globally. This does not end in older age, yet older women are not captured in global data and research and are often excluded from policies and programmes focused on ending violence against women and girls. 

About the briefing paper

This briefing outlines the impact of violence against women and girls and how older women are being excluded from the data and programmes seeking to address it. It explores why taking a life-course approach (looking at experiences from birth through to older age) is essential to eliminate violence against women and girls, and how the UK Government has the opportunity to help drive change. 

Recommendations

The briefing makes seven recommendations for the UK Government, other governments, donors and international organisations to better understand, recognise and address violence experienced by older women. Read the recommendations in full by downloading the briefing.

For the UK Government

1. Through global leadership, champion a life course approach to ending violence against women and girls.

2. Be accountable to survivors across generations and support multigenerational action.

For all governments, multilateral institutions, international donors and other stakeholders

3. Embed a life course approach in violence against women and girls policy and action.

4. Strengthen the evidence base across the life course.

5. Ensure laws, services and systems are inclusive of women of all ages.

6. Invest in prevention and response across the life course.

7. Increase financing and accountability for older women.