The Independent Domestic Abuse Service have highlighted that older people may be more likely to suffer abuse from an adult child than young people; economic abuse is also more prevalent among older people.
IDAS engagement manager Carmel Offord said domestic abuse among older people was a hidden problem.
Referrals were made by over 65’s to the Charity, where the following statistics were recorded:
- 23% of the referrals were men, which is higher than the percentage for male referrals of any age.
- 44% were abused by an adult son.
- 8% of female victims were abused by an adult son.
- The majority of female victims are more likely to be abused by a male intimate partner.
- The majority of perpetrators were males, and the majority of victims were females.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics estimate that more than 375,000 people over the age of 60 have experienced domestic abuse in the past year in England and Wales.
A survivor, who received support from IDAS, spoke out and disclosed the following:
“Behind closed doors, they are very nasty”
“Mostly in my case verbally but there were a couple of physical things. I wasn’t allowed to do anything very much”
“it was like being in prison”
A domestic abuse worker stated that a lot of individuals have a preconceived idea what domestic abuse is. A lot of it is control, a lot of it is emotional abuse and a lot of it is financial.
Recognising Domestic Abuse
There are several reasons why domestic abuse among older people may be hidden, including: isolation, limited awareness of domestic abuse and emotional abuse among older people, entrenched gender roles, disability, ill health, limited access to the internet, transport and support services.
Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with legal matters relating to domestic abuse:
- Call our office: 01642 777 680
- Email us enquiries@oliverj22.sg-host.com
Whether you need legal advice or support, Cygnet Law is here to help.
