BUNDOORA academics are leading a research project into the hidden crime of sexual assault against elderly women.
It is called “Norma’s project” after an 84-year-old woman with dementia who was sexually abused by a staff member when she was in respite care two years ago.
Researchers from La Trobe University’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, the University of Melbourne and the National Ageing Research Institute want to talk to older women about their experiences of sexual assault.
“We hear a lot about the sexual assault of young women, which is important. However, we rarely hear of the trauma experienced by older women,” said Dr Catherine Barrett, the chief researcher for the project, based at La Trobe University.
“We know older women experience sexual assaults from family members and service providers, as well as from strangers, yet there is little community awareness of this issue and a lack of knowledge about prevention strategies.”
She said that nationally there were 344 reports of sexual assault in residential age care during 2011-2012.
“We have been told stories about older women who have reported sexual assault but not been believed, their statement attributed to dementia or an experience from their youth,” Dr Barrett said. “Some older women don’t report sexual assault because they are frightened or feel ashamed.”
Norma’s relatives said the assault had a “profound’’ impact on her life.
Dr Barrett said researchers wanted to talk to women over 65 who had been sexually assaulted, and also trusted family members and service providers.
“The research will lead to the development of prevention strategies and improve the response of community and aged care service.”
Details: normasproject.org.au
