Domestic abuse among older adults is a 'hidden issue' that needs more attention, according to a researcher at Sunderland University.

To mark International Day of Older Persons on October 1, Dr Sarah Lonbay, associate professor of social sciences and engagement, discussed her research into domestic abuse in the older population.

She said: "Domestic abuse doesn’t stop with age, and our support systems must evolve to address the needs of older victims and survivors."

Dr Lonbay has been researching this issue since 2018, after her colleague, Dr Carole Southall from Northumbria University, was approached by a Safeguarding Adults Board to explore concerns following domestic homicides in the older population.

The cases raised questions about whether health and social care professionals were effectively identifying and responding to domestic abuse in older people.

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(Image: Sunderland University)

Dr Lonbay and Dr Southall have since conducted several research projects on this issue, with additional support from Cath Easton (University of Sunderland) and Katherine Drape (Northumbria University).

The UK government defines domestic abuse as "any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between people aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality."

While society has made progress in recognising domestic abuse as an issue, the experiences of older victims and survivors remain largely underreported and misunderstood.

Age UK estimates that around 375,000 individuals over the age of 65 are victims of domestic abuse each year.

Abuse in later life is different in many ways from abuse experienced by younger individuals.

It often goes unrecognised by the victims themselves, their families, and even professionals.

This is partly because many older individuals grew up in a time when domestic abuse was considered a private matter, so they may be reluctant to seek help, may have been refused help in the past, or may not recognise their experiences as abuse.

Dr Lonbay said: "One of the most important findings from our research is the need to believe older victims and trust them to make their own decisions about what they want to do.

"We must not make assumptions based on age but instead listen carefully to their experiences and provide them with the support they need.

"As one participant said, 'The main thing is we need help now.'"

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Domestic abuse is a horrific crime and we are fully committed to ensuring all victims receive the support they need.

“We are funding a specialist domestic abuse services for older victims, through which victims can access helplines and speak to specially trained caseworkers.”

Dr Lonbay's research is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) for North East and Cumbria (NENC).