The charity Age UK have recently reported that one in four victims who make a report of domestic abuse are over 60.In one year alone it was reported that 200,000 victims of domestic abuse were between 60 and 74 years old.The National Crime Survey (NAC) does not record crimes such as these for persons over 74 years old so there may be many more that are not included in reporting abuse by loved ones or carers. In 2018-2019 Age UK reported that they received 655 enquiries relating to domestic abuse through their advice line.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director says that “There is a widespread misconception that domestic abuse only happens to younger people but sadly hundreds of thousands of older people are affected, too.”
The report says older victims of domestic abuse often face significant difficulties when asking for help or when trying to leave an abusive relationship,these difficulties can create significant barriers for people who are isolated in their communities through language and culture or reliant on their abuser for money or care.
It is unfortunate that many victims who are over 60 do not realise they are a victim of domestic abuse, they do not recognise the perpetrators behaviour is abuse or they do not feel they can ask for help.Some victims are too reliant on their abuser and they can see no way out and fear the unknown.
Age UK welcomes recommendations on the Domestic Abuse Bill to include collating data on all ages as prior to 2017 only people up to the age of 59 years old were approached and even now people over the age of 75 years are not asked to provide data.It is vital older victims needs are considered in any new legislation.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This government is committed to tackling abuse against older people. Like other forms of abuse, attacks on older people are all too often hidden behind closed doors and so tackling these issuesrequires a collective effort.
If you require any advice or assistance in relation to domestic abuse, please contact our dedicated Family team here at Ramsdens. The team will provide the reassurance and help you may need including applying to court for non-molestation injunction orders and occupation orders and also connecting an abused person with a number of different support agencies in the local area.
If you would like to speak with a member of our Family team, please call us on our freephone number 08000 147720, or send us an email to family@ramsdens.co.uk or book a free information session at any of our offices across Yorkshire