What pattern of abuse describes victims who have been abused for most of their adult life?

The description of victims who have been abused for most of their adult life aligns best with the concept of "spouse abuse grown old." This term specifically refers to individuals who have experienced prolonged periods of abuse within intimate relationships throughout their adult years.

This pattern highlights the ongoing and often cyclical nature of abusive dynamics, where the victim remains in a long-term relationship characterized by neglect, emotional, physical, or psychological abuse. The phrasing indicates not just a singular event but a sustained experience of victimization over time, emphasizing how the impact of such abuse can extend well into later life.

In contrast, intimate partner violence is a broader category that encompasses various forms of abuse occurring within intimate relationships but does not specify the duration or permanence of the abuse experienced by the victim. Late onset cases refer to instances where abuse begins later in life, which does not fit the context of lifelong victimhood. Occasional neglect, while a form of abuse, does not capture the comprehensive and persistent nature of the abusive experiences faced by individuals who have been subjected to long-term abuse.