There are additional factors around domestic abuse that can affect older people accessing support. The challenges they face can be around financial, sexual, physical, emotional, mental abuse or neglect

• Older survivors may have been living with their abuser for years and they may have experienced a high level of coercive control

• They may have normalised the behaviour as they grew up in a time when society took a different attitude towards domestic abuse

• They may have additional needs and disadvantages compounded by physical and mental health issues

• Their abuser may be their carer

• It could be their child who is causing them harm which can make the survivor feel ashamed & guilty.

ESDAS can tailor their support to deal with these issues.

Alternatively you may wish to contact Hourglass (website here) which is a UK charity solely focused on the abuse and neglect of older people
Free 24 hour helpline on 0808 808 8141

Age UK - website here Adviceline - 08006781602

More information

Hidden Harms with BSL (English) In partnership with Dewis Choice, Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board (@norfolksafeguardingadultsb66) has produced the animation Hidden Harms, which aims to highlight the unique challenges that older adults face when they are affected by domestic abuse. View here

Power and Control Wheel Adapted by Dewischoice.org.uk

Do You See Me? is a video directed by Christian Gordine and produced by Dewis Choice. This film highlights the lived experiences of older LGBTQ+ victim survivors.