Definitions - our understanding of the topic

For the purpose of a consistent approach to research and common understanding across the participating countries, the term 'older women' refers to females aged 60 years and over; 'IPV' includes sexual abuse and harassment, emotional, verbal & psychological abuse, financial abuse and exploitation, coercive control, stalking and neglect, as well as physical violence (assault). We understand Intimate Partner Violence as violence by current of former partners.

On this homepage the terms 'victim' and 'perpetrator' are used throughout. We want to stress, that the terms victim and perpetrator do not presuppose a criminal conviction, and there is thus no legal finding of guilt or innocence.