MARVOW.eu title
4th June 2025 |

Unseen no more

Violence against older women is a serious issue that is, unfortunately, often overlooked. Older women face intersecting vulnerabilities that put them at risk of abuse. Financial constraints, limited social support, health issues, and ageist or sexist attitudes make older women less likely to be heard or protected. The MARVOW 2.0 mission is to shine a light on these hidden realities and uphold older women’s right to live free from violence.

Why this matters  Despite their vulnerability, older women are rarely reached by support services or recognised in mainstream conversations about violence and abuse. This invisibility must change – older women deserve to be seen, heard, and protected

As Europe ages, the issue of violence against older women becomes more urgent. 

How can we see violence against older women? 

Violence against older women doesn´t always leave evident marks / signs, but it can be seen in changes in everyday behavior if you look close enough. If you suspect someone in your life might be experiencing violence, here are some signs to look out for:

Bruises: Although bruises may occur due to illness, and as a side effect of certain medications, if you spot bruises on an older loved on, it is okay to ask where the bruise came from. Are they able to explain the causes, and how plausible do the explanations seem can give you an idea.