As we live longer, we are also more exposed to domestic risk and harm according to a report released this week. A Durham University study has revealed that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member.
The analysis of data on domestic abuse of adults aged 60-74, found that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member, showing a contrast to previous studies. The study looked at different types of abuse by a domestic perpetrator, including force, threats, sexual assault, stalking and non-physical abuse.
Over 25 per cent of domestic homicide cases in the UK are of people over 60, despite this age group only accounting for 18 per cent of the population.
Comparing risk factors for older and younger people, the findings suggest that for older adults, men and women are equally at risk of being victimised by a family member whereas for younger people, women are more at risk of this. However, most other risk factors were the broadly the same for both older and younger victims.
Professor Hannah Bows from the Law School at Durham University, who led the study, said: “The perceived low risk of victimisation of older adults has been largely unchallenged and wrongly accepted as fact. This is the first time we’ve been able to shine a light on the risk factors for this age group.
“It shows that people experience domestic abuse in later life and more of this is perpetrated by partners than family members. Crucially, it also shows that the risk factors for domestic abuse are broadly similar for younger and older people – what matters is who is perpetrating abuse more than the age of the victim.”
At SLDAS we have long been aware of the impact and occurrence of domestic abuse amongst the older generations who are more likely to ‘put up and shut up’ to avoid bringing shame on their families.
A suggested by the researchers we will be reviewing our current policies around risk assessment and management to ensure that abuse of older women, both by partners and family members, is properly captured.
The current study shows that around three per cent of older adults in England and Wales are victims of domestic abuse each year, which equates to approximately 280,000 people. In comparison, around six per cent of people between 16-59 experience domestic abuse each year.