As outlined in the Later Lives: Older people and domestic abuse report by Safe Lives,  victims aged 61+ are much more likely to experience abuse from an adult family member or current intimate partner than those 60 and under.

On average, older victims experience abuse for twice as long before seeking help as those aged under 61 and nearly half have a disability. Older victims are less likely to attempt to leave their perpetrator in the year before accessing help and more likely to be living with the perpetrator after getting support.

The report also claims that older people are statistically more likely to suffer from health problems, reduced mobility or other disabilities, which can exacerbate their vulnerability to harm. Another common barrier is generational attitudes about abuse that leads to older victims being far less likely to identify their situation as one of abuse.

In Somerset the number of people over 65 reporting abuse is on the increase. From 2018-19 to 2020-21, there has been a 16% year on year increase in older people dying asa result of domestic abuse, that is a cause for concern highlighted in the recent Domestic Abuse Homicide reviews.

Somerset County Gazette: Older people suffering abuse are often unaware that help is availableOlder people suffering abuse are often unaware that help is available

Older people are particularly vulnerable to domestic abuse, often unaware that help is available. Fear and long-term health conditions can be major barriers to seeking and getting help, and sometimes spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly can be difficult. Domestic abuse can be masked, with professionals only seeing presenting issues such as bruising or depression as age-related conditions, linked to medication or an ailment, when instead it’s physical abuse.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk  for information on local and national services, or by telephoning the free confidential Somerset Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 69 49 999.

In an emergency you should always dial 999. If you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS.net. Once registered you will be able to send a text to 999 if you require help in an emergency.

If you want to know more about older people and domestic abuse, visit: Older people and domestic abuse (somersetsurvivors.org.uk)