“These women suffer in silence, often becoming passive, struggling to recognize themselves as victims or to acknowledge the problem, let alone take action,” said Evi Minatsi, a sociologist and criminologist at the Women’s Counseling Center of the Municipality of Rhodes. “They frequently blame themselves in an effort to shield the perpetrator, particularly when that perpetrator is their own son.”
Minatsi was referring to women over the age of 60 who experience domestic violence but choose not to speak out. In tight-knit communities, such as those on islands, this type of violence is often well-concealed – even more so when it involves the bond between a mother and her child.
“These women are constrained by societal expectations around family and the mother’s role, fearing social stigma and condemnation from both relatives and the broader community,” Minatsi explained. She added that patriarchal attitudes often reinforce the belief that domestic violence is a “family matter” rather than a public issue.
These challenges help explain why older women are underrepresented among victims seeking help. According to data from the Municipality of Rhodes, the center has supported 732 victims of violence since December 2013, with only 5.3% aged 56 to 60 and 6% over 60.
In the past two years, however, cases among older women have increased, a trend attributed to public awareness campaigns and greater media coverage of domestic violence. In 2023, 9.2% of cases involved women in these age groups, rising to 9.6% in 2024. Half of these cases involved mothers abused by their adult sons, while the other half involved violence by husbands or partners.
Economic dependence on the abuser
“Older women who come to us report experiencing psychological, physical, verbal, sexual, or financial abuse and seek counseling support,” said Theano Chrysou, a social worker at the Women’s Counseling Center on Rhodes.
“In many cases, older victims are financially dependent on their husband, partner, or son. They often rely on their husband’s pension, shared family benefits, or financial assistance from their adult children. That dependence, compounded by years of absence from the workforce or a complete lack of work experience, increases their reliance on the abuser,” Chrysou explained.
“This financial dependence is frequently used as a tool of control, preventing them from seeking help or filing complaints,” she added.
When the abuser is her own child
The abuse of an elderly woman by her child is a deeply challenging issue requiring sensitivity and targeted intervention, social workers say. At the Women’s Counseling Center on Rhodes, specialists help these women regain control of their lives.
“A mother’s love often makes her justify her child’s behavior or hope they’ll change. Fear of stigma for herself and her child often prevents her from reporting the abuse,” said psychologist Despina Fakidarakis.
In many cases, the abusive child faces addiction or mental health challenges.
“Some mothers worry that cutting ties will leave their child more vulnerable. In other cases, the abuser is also the caregiver, making it even harder to report,” Fakidarakis said.
‘The real number is very dark’
Age-related stereotypes contribute to the isolation of victims, particularly when limited mobility, lack of access to support services, or difficulties using technology are involved.
“The real number of these cases is very dark,” Christina Karagianni, a sociologist and deputy director of the Social Policy and Health Department of the Municipality of Rhodes, told Kathimerini. She explained that the pandemic has worsened the situation, with more vulnerable households and individuals needing help. “We found elderly people in dire conditions, abandoned by their children, which is another form of abuse. We worked to assist them through initiatives like ‘Help at Home.’”
Karagianni emphasized the municipality’s efforts to provide support, such as the women’s shelter for victims of violence, but argued that a more specialized approach is necessary. “Older people are more vulnerable, often struggle to make decisions, and can’t assert their rights or speak out. For cases of domestic violence, there needs to be more focus, including the creation of a dedicated service,” she said.
Domestic violence complaints double in one year
Elderly women who experience abuse, whether from a spouse or child, are treated the same as any other victims of domestic violence. They can reach out to the SOS Helpline 15900 or specialized counseling centers, which, if necessary, refer them to shelters.
According to data released on November 25 by the General Secretariat for Gender Equality and Human Rights at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs, in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 184 women over the age of 65 called the SOS Helpline in 2024, making up 4% of all calls. In 2023, that number was 187 women (5%).
At the 44 counseling centers nationwide, 348 women over 60 sought help in 2024, or 10% of the total, compared to 386 women (8%) in 2023. In the 20 shelters for victims of violence, 23 women over 60 were referred in 2024 (9%), up from 20 women (7%) in 2023.
Data from January to September show that 72% of the women referred to shelters were unemployed.
Meanwhile, figures from the Hellenic Police indicate a sharp rise in complaints. From January to October, there were 1,858 reports of domestic violence involving women over 60, compared to 903 in the same period of 2023.
The current National Action Plan for Gender Equality expires in 2025. During this transitional period, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family is preparing a new five-year action plan starting in 2026.
“We want to focus on women in this age group and offer services that address their unique vulnerabilities,” said Angeliki Papazoglou, head of the Social Protection and Counseling Services Division at the General Secretariat for Gender Equality. “Women in violent relationships feel trapped for social, economic and emotional reasons. For older women, these challenges are even more complex.”
Efforts to raise awareness and encourage elderly women to speak out about the abuse they face will be intensified starting in 2025.
Katerina Patsogianni, secretary-general for gender equality and human rights at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, stressed that the issue of elderly women as victims of domestic violence is real but often overlooked.
“The SOS Helpline is available to all, including elderly women experiencing abuse. We encourage anyone, even a third party, to reach out with information that could help a woman in need,” Patsogianni told Kathimerini.