When we think about domestic abuse, we rarely think about older people. In reality older women and men can experience the same forms of abuse as younger people but it may go unrecognised. Older people can experience domestic abuse from an intimate partner or a family member, they may face additional barriers to seeking help and support. This may be due to ill health 0r are receiving care from, or providing care for, the person who is causing them harm. They may feel there is a lack of support or not know where to go for support. Some older people have lived with domestic abuse for many years in their relationship, whilst for others the abuse may have started later in life. It can be triggered by a traumatic event or ill health. Some older people don’t think that domestic abuse services are there for them and the services are for young people. In fact the services are there for everybody regardless of age, gender or sexuality. Services have identified that there are issues around the language that is used within information sources and are looking at addressing this by reaching out to older peoples support and community groups. This will help raise awareness of domestic abuse whilst also encouraging older people to inform the language of future material, as well as identifying where older people are more likely to access informative quality material.
About domestic abuse services.
Above all the need for support to explain your options and to access safety and protection is paramount. This can happen by accessing safe secure accommodation like a refuge,
your local authority or the police. Whether you are supported in refuge or within the community there is something to help everyone. Talking to someone is the first step to accessing the help and support you need, which may be emotional but also practical such as help with housing support, legal advice, benefit entitlement, group support or courses such as the freedom program or even referrals to other specialist support services.
If you are a victim or know someone who is a victim of
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Physical abuse
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Emotional abuse
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Economic/Financial abuse
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Sexual abuse
• Coercive or controlling behaviour
Then you are advised to seek advice or support.
Wherever you live in Wales there are services for everyone
even if you live in rural areas. The Live Fear Free helpline for Wales is an
amazing source of information and support. You can speak to them in confidence.
They can tell you what your closest domestic abuse service is and help you find
refuge space should you need it. It is a 24 hour service and you can contact
them on 0808 80 10 800 or visit their website www.livefearfree.gov.wales
You can also find useful information and support through the
older peoples commissioner website
Reporting the problem
All Wales Police Domestic Abuse Data – Older people aged 60+
•
2013/14: 656 incidents reported to police
•
2018/19: 3771 incidents reported to police
The number of reported cases of domestic abuse in older
people is rising this is not because there was more domestic abuse in 2018/19
than there was in 2013/14 but because advice has started filtering through;
this could be directly to the victim, through a friend, neighbour or family member.
THERE IS LIFE AFTER DOMESTIC ABUSE AT ANY AGE
Outcomes
Mid and West Wales safeguarding violence against women,
domestic abuse, sexual violence safeguarding board aim to not only raise awareness
but recruit or gather the opinions of older people. This will
•
Empower
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Aid Prevention
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Protect
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Give a voice
• Make sure support is appropriate
If you would like us to hold an information event at your
community group then please contact info@camau.org.uk
If you are over 55 and would like to participate in an
interview or be part of a panel then please contact
mww.survivor.panel@gmail.com