Elder abuse can take many forms though it is widely considered as being “a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” As well as financial abuse and neglect, this of course includes physical, emotional verbal and sexual abuse. Many may view domestic abuse as something that primarily affects younger women or women with children. However just as many older women are affected by domestic abuse. These victims have may have suffered long-term abuse and often face more barriers in their help- seeking process. Many older victims have lived through a generation where domestic abuse was not recognised or acknowledged, and many have suffered for decades in silence. As a result, these victims may not be aware of the support and services that are available today. Our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly is involved in a Steering Group for the Women’s Aid ABCLN ‘Older But No Safer’ Project. This Project has been set up by Women’s Aid Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne & Newtownabbey (ABCLN) to work with women and communities to increase awareness about the impact of domestic abuse on women aged 55 and over. Karen comments: “I’m keenly aware through both working with Women’s Aid and hearing the stories of my clients that many older women have endured years of domestic abuse, some spanning decades. It is imperative that the experiences of these women are heard and that more is done to protect them.”The United Nations designated 15th June as ‘Elder Abuse Awareness Day’ as an occasion to recognise and highlight the issue of elder abuse in the world and for each country to vocalise its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted upon some members of our older generations.
For advice and assistance in relation to any concern over domestic abuse, please contact Karen Connolly on kconnolly@fhanna.co.uk or call 028 9024 3901.