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Intimate Partner Violence and Rural Older Women . Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. Funded by grant # R03HD059478 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD and the NIH Office of the Director (OD). Rural Challenges.
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Intimate Partner Violence and Rural Older Women • Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech • Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley Funded by grant # R03HD059478 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD and the NIH Office of the Director (OD)
Is IPV a Rural Problem? • IPV is no more prevalent or problematic in rural areas than urban areas. • Issues are similar to urban counterparts, but require different community response strategies. • The structure and culture of rural areas may conceal and facilitate IPV.
Rural Challenges • Abusers and victims lack anonymity • Geographic isolation • Service delivery
Cultural Beliefs and Influences • Culture of self-sufficiency • Culture of acceptance • Religious Influence
Needs of Rural Older Women: Income and Work • Financial resources to re-establish a life without violence • Marketable skills to secure paid employment • Stamina, energy, and good heath
Needs of Rural Older Women: Legal Support • Legal advocacy • Access to information about rights, laws, and processes presented in everyday language
Needs of Rural Older Women: Emergency Shelter • Located in the community, close to familiar places • ADA accessible • Private and quiet
Needs of Rural Older Women: Emergency Care for Animals Abusers often control their victims by threatening to harm or kill the victim’s animals. • Need emergency livestock and domesticated animal placement • Need shelters that can accept pets or domesticated animals
Needs of Rural Older Women: Transportation • Transportation to leave and seek help • Transportation that is discreet and offers flexibility in service times
Needs of Rural Older Women: Flexible Service Delivery • Privacy • Ideal Locations