This year for International Women’s Day, we’re paying tribute to the 26 older women who were killed by men in the past 12 months.

Today is International Women’s Day 2023, a global focal point in the women’s rights movement and a day to celebrate the achievements of women and highlight the barriers to gender equality. This year, we're paying our respects to the older women who sadly lost their lives over the past 12 months.

From 8th March 2022 to 8th March 2023, 101 women were killed by men, with 25% of these victims being aged over 60. 15 of these cases were confirmed to be committed by family members or intimate partners, most being committed by husbands and sons.

From 8th March 2022 to 8th March 2023, 101 women were killed by men, with 25% of these victims being aged over 60. 15 of these cases were confirmed to be committed by family members or intimate partners, most being committed by husbands and sons.

Data received from the Femicide Census reveals that from 2017 – 2021, 162 women aged over 60 were killed by men, with 116 of cases (71%) being perpetrated by family members, spouses or intimate partners.

These shocking statistics line up with Hourglass’ data on the abuse of older people, with our helpline data revealing that most perpetrators are related to the victim or are a spouse/intimate partner.

Data from the Office of National Statistics for 2022, reveals that for female victims where a suspect has been charged, 95% of perpetrators were male. In addition, there were 134 domestic homicides in 2022, an increase of 16% from the previous years. 78 victims were killed by a partner or ex-partner and 40 were killed by a parent, son or daughter.

Furthermore, almost half (46%) of adult female homicide victims were killed in a domestic homicide. Of the 84 female domestic homicide victims, 81 were killed by a male suspect.

These figures uncover the reality of male violence against women and girls, many of whom have a close relation or relationship. On International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight these figures to show the sometimes fatal outcome of domestic abuse and violence and raise awareness of the support available.

Hourglass sends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 26 victims and today we pay tribute to their memories.

Download our full research document here

Thank you to Karen Ingala Smith, the Counting Dead Women project and the Femicide Census for providing names, data and for the work they do.

Visit the Counting Dead Women.

Visit the Femicide Census.

Read more from the ONS 2022 homicide report.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, or are concerned about an older person, Hourglass provides a free 24/7 helpline on 0808 808 8141 or visit our services page here: https://wearehourglass.org/hourglass-services