National Peer Research Network Preventing Domestic Abuse in Older People
Improving support for older survivors of domestic abuse – Working with key stakeholders to understand the support needs of older people affected by domestic abuse
Almost 2.7 million older people were affected by domestic abuse in the UK in 2020. Older people experience abuse (from intimate partners or adult children) for twice as long before seeking help compared to those under 60. With limited specialist support available, they are at increased risk of physical, emotional, and financial harm. Yet presently, we have little understanding of the lived experiences of older survivors, what increases risk, and the support they need due to their limited opportunities to participate in research.
In this project, we are:
- Undertaking a scoping review to synthesise the evidence base on domestic abuse in older people;
- Conducting interviews with: (i) domestic abuse survivors aged 60 and over, and (ii) professionals who work with older victims/survivors of domestic abuse. By increasing our understanding of the support they need and their barriers they face, we can raise awareness, challenge the invisibility and stigma of domestic abuse in older people, and develop interventions that better meets their needs.
How to get involved
Are you a domestic abuse survivor aged 60 or above or a professional who supports older people affected by domestic abuse? If you are interested in sharing your experiences with us, please get in touch with Dr Phuong Leung at phuong.leung@ucl.ac.uk.
Study Posters
For more information, please see posters below:
Our partner organisations
Hourglass – Hourglass (Safer Ageing) are a charity dedicated to ending harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in the UK.
Dewis Choice – The Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice – the first dedicated service in the UK for older men, women and non-binary people who’ve experienced domestic abuse from an intimate partner and/or adult family member.
Age UK – a leading charity dedicated to supporting older people, through advice, services, and campaigning on issues affecting the elderly.
North Devon Against Domestic Abuse – provides vital temporary refuge services for women and children affected by domestic abuse in North Devon.
Solace Women's Aid – the Silver Project for older women specifically supports older women over 55 in London who have experienced domestic abuse.
Belfast & Lisburn Women's Aid – supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse in Northern Ireland, with dedicated support to women over 60.
Contact us
Principal investigator: Dr Vasiliki Orgeta, v.orgeta@ucl.ac.uk
Team members
Dr Vasiliki Orgeta
Dr Phuong Leung
Lawrence Fong
Hoi Tat Kwok