The Adver is working with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, formerly Swindon Women's Aid, on its 16-day campaign raising awareness of domestic violence. Today, we look at abuse of older victims.

Statistics show that older victims of domestic abuse are likely to experience abuse for twice as long as younger people before seeking help.

They are also more likely to be suffering abuse from more than one person, in some cases perpetrators may work together to abuse an older person. Men are at an increased risk of domestic abuse as they become older and more vulnerable.

Among younger people domestic abuse is predominantly, but not always, perpetrated by a partner.

For older people, the abuse is almost as likely to be by adult children and grandchildren, siblings, or other family members.

Astonishingly older victims of domestic abuse are equally likely to be murdered by a family member as they are a spouse.

While this is not a new issue it is one that has been more widely recognised during 2020 due to Covid-19. Lockdown has increased isolation for many older people. Those suffering domestic abuse have likely experienced a reduction in their contact and engagement with others, less access to support networks, and fewer opportunities to disclose abuse or ask for help.

Health care professionals are often a point of disclosure for older victims of domestic abuse, however with appointments moving to telephone rather than face to face this further reduces opportunities for safe disclosures.

Some perpetrators of abuse have used Covid-19 as a weapon to further control and abuse their victims – preventing them from attending healthcare appointments or forbidding them from having safe and socially distanced contact with their children or grandchildren.

As well as often being isolated, older people experiencing abuse can face additional barriers to seeking help. They have different generational beliefs, abusive behaviours may have been normalised and accepted within their family and wider society, if someone has experienced abuse throughout their life it is their normal.

While many acts of domestic abuse are now considered criminal, this would not have been the case for them growing up and during their earlier years of marriage. Speaking out against a partner or family member may bring shame upon them, their family, and their community. If they do identify the abuse and consider speaking out, they will likely have considered the bigger picture - what impact might their speaking out have on their extended family and community? Perhaps their perpetrator is loved and respected, in which case would anyone believe them? Older people are often dependent on the person/people that abuse them and worry about what will happen to them and who will look after them if they were to speak out against an abuser.

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service has community IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) who are trained to support older people. There are also GP Drop-ins and an IDVA at the Great Western Hospital. Contact the charity's 24 hour helpline on 01793 610610.