Older People and Domestic Abuse IT NEEDS TO STOP

The Audition Patrick Stewart and Joanna Lumley in ‘The Audition’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z- f2LFUCnqUf2LFUCnqU

Question? If a elderly patient/client disclosed to you as you cared for them that they were a victim of domestic abuse and they were frightened of their partner, what would you do? Have a think during this presentation We will discuss later

For more information refer to Safe Lives National Briefing

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK, says of the safe lives report: “For too long domestic abuse in later life has been a hidden issue, with hidden victims. It can be extremely hard for older people to speak out about it and many services simply have not yet recognised that domestic abuse affects people of all ages.” “The impact of abuse on older people is profound and damaging, whatever form it takes and whoever is responsible for it. Every older person should be able to live life free from abuse and this report is an important step forward because it brings a neglected and taboo issue into the light.”

Key findings Older victims’ experiences are often exacerbated by social, cultural and physical factors that require a tailored response

older people experiencing domestic abuse who are visible to services….. ¼ have lived with abuse for over 20 years. Victims over 60 typically experience domestic abuse for 6.5yrs before accessing help. Older people are statistically more likely to suffer health problems, reduced mobility or other disabilities which can increase their vulnerability to harm. Another key barrier for older people is the issue of dependency, as often the perpetrator of abuse can also be the victims main carer.

older people experiencing domestic abuse who are visible to services….. Victims over sixty are significantly more likely to experience abuse from an intimate partner (40% vs 28% under sixty) or an adult family member (44% vs 6% under sixty). Victims with dementia may appear less credible due to their memory issues. Older people are often viewed as asexual and therefore unlikely to experience sexual violence. Collectively, these issues mean that older people are less visible to services and are experiencing abuse for extended periods of time. If a perpetrator with dementia was a domestic abuse perpetrator before developing the condition, this can increase the risk to the victim. If someone who has previously not been a domestic abuse offender then becomes violent as a result of their condition, this would not generally class as domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is about power and control and in these circumstances the violence is not related to this as it is more likely to be violence as a result of fear and confusion.

Domestic abuse is a complicated issue which sits at the nexus of aging, poverty and mental health and requires serious, sophisticated solutions that are sensitive to the needs of the older person. Intergenerational violence and exploitation is something we are only now beginning to consider.

In the last 10 years a number of criminal cases and a serious case review, all involving deaths of elderly women in long term marriages, have highlighted both the vulnerability of older survivors, the perceived frailty of older perpetrators and the poor response from professionals. In the case of Mary Russell (aged 81) she ‘died of a bleed to the brain following a "domestic-related" incident at her home’. She had made eight 999 calls over the preceding seven months. The different agencies involved in the case failed to communicate adequately with one another. Despite Mrs Russell's repeated 999 calls, the emergency teams that arrived at the house had no knowledge of previous callouts.

Answers please to the scenario Listen to them Ask them what they want to happen Do they need medical attention? Referral to GDASS/GRASAC? Referral Social Care?

What to do if you have a concern Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) www.gdass.org.uk Gloucestershire County Council (Adult Help Desk / Advice Helpline) 01452 426868 or email socialcare.enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board GSAB - Useful Contacts Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (GRASAC)