A/81/133 7. Therefore, intersectional vulnerabilities contributing to biological and social processes of ageing must be effectively addressed separately, under the relevant human rights obligations. It is also widely recognized that data on women of all ages, including those understood as past the reproductive age but not yet defined as older, is lacking. In addition, the report recognizes that older women are not a homogeneous group and that the needs of all those on the “older” spectrum may differ. III. Root causes of violence A. Intersecting vulnerabilities 8. Many older women experience a continuum of harm throughout their lives. Society is often desensitized to their suffering, as it often blames older women for being passive and not leaving or changing their situation. They may feel resigned, as if their lives no longer had meaning. 7 Many older women were socialized to view violence within the family as a private matter or a normal aspect of long -term relationships, and they fear shame or stigma if they disclose abuse. 8 Some were also made to believe that engaging in sexual intercourse, even if coerced, is a duty within relationships. 9 9. Older women, especially Indigenous women, also suffer from the enduring scars of colonization. 10 Poverty and financial dependence further compel older women to remain in abusive situations. 11 Mobility limitations might increase the risk of physical and sexual violence. 12 While significant advances have been made in the recognition of women’s rights, many continue to suffer the long-term consequences of historical injustices. Child and forced marriage, even more prevalent in the past, significantly increase the risk of violence and vulnerability in older age. 13 In cultures marked by a historical preference for male children, girls often had reduced access to adequate food and nutrition during crucial developmental years, increasing their risk of illness in later life. 14 Many were also denied equal access to education, with some remaining illiterate throughout their lives, significantly affecting their access to information, services, financial systems and justice mechanisms. 15 10. Those abused as children are at higher risk of becoming trapped in cycles of violence. 16 Untreated health conditions resulting from pregnancy and childbirth may worsen with age, leading to disability and increasing dependence. 17 Injuries sustained earlier in life and their long-term health consequences may compound age-related conditions. 18 Age-related stressors, 19 as well as traumatic events and attacks, 20 can trigger memories of earlier experiences of violence. __________________ 7 See https://hipatiapress.com/hpjournals/index.php/generos/en/article/view/13251 . Submission by Canada. 9 Submission by Spain. 10 Submission by New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ). 11 Submission by Megan McCloskey, University of Washington. 12 Submission by Kathryn Falb. 13 See https://serbia.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/final_report_005.pdf, p. 59. 14 See https://vawnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/files/2016-10/JEAN-InvisibilityOlderWomen.pdf. 15 Submission by the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa. 16 Submission by Relationships Australia. 17 See https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/995591611122468396/pdf/Violence -AgainstWomen-and-Girls-Resource-Guide-Brief-on-Violence-Against-Older-Women.pdf, p. 3. 18 See https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/66/3/gnaf287/8373887 . 19 Submission by Paula, eV – Beratungsstelle für Frauen ab 60 Jahren. 20 Submission by Ben-Gurion University. 8 4/26 26-09992