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.