Login


Older People

Domestic Abuse can affect people of any age.  Many older people have experienced abuse for a long time before seeking support.  If an older person has care and support needs they may be eligible for support under Adult Safeguarding - see below.

 

The Care Act 2014 came into effect on 1 April 2015.  The Act defines an Adult at Risk as someone who:

  • has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs),
  • is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and
  • as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

An adult at risk may therefore be a person who:

  • is frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment;
  • has a learning disability;
  • has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment;
  • has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder;
  • has a long-term illness/condition;
  • misuses substances or alcohol;
  • is a carer such as a family member/friend who may be at risk because of their caring role;
  • is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a relevant decision and is in need of care and support.
 
Outreach services in Cambridgeshire support older victims of all genders and sexualities
 
Domestic Abuse Support Service - 0300 373 1073   or email DASSreferrals@impakt.org.uk  
Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse) offer support to both men and women who have been affected by abuse of any kind. 
 
You can call confidentially on 0808 808 8141
 
Or visit the website at https://wearehourglass.org/

Carers can also be victims of domestic abuse – this could be a long-standing situation or as a result of behaviour changes in their partner due to illness or disability.

Carers may also be a vulnerable adult or adult at risk of abuse or neglect in their own right. This is a complex area but professional support is available.

http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/careandsupport