Back to Understanding Abuse in Different Communities
Abuse can happen at any age, including later in life. Older people may experience domestic or sexual abuse from a partner, family member, carer, or someone they trust.
This can include coercive control, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and physical or sexual abuse.
Abuse in later life is sometimes less recognised, but it is just as serious and can have a significant impact on someone’s safety, independence and wellbeing.
Evidence shows that the types of abuse older people are likely to experience are Psychological, and financial abuse.
Sources:
World Health Organization: ‘Abuse of older people’, June 2024.
These misconceptions can silence victims, minimise their experiences, or prevent them from seeking help.
Understanding the reality of abuse helps create safer communities where people feel supported and believed.
Fact
Older people can and do experience domestic and sexual abuse, just like younger people. This can include physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse, as well as controlling or coercive behaviour. (1)
However, there can also be age-related factors that affect how abuse is experienced and recognised later in life.
Research from the Growing Older in the UK 2020 survey found that 1 in 5 (22%) people aged 65 and over have experienced abuse (2).
Source:
Somerset Domestic Abuse: ‘Older people and domestic abuse’. (1)
We Are Hourglass: ‘Safer Ageing Press Release’. (2)
Fact
People with dementia may be subject to mistreatment and abuse in the community or in care homes and hospitals. This may include psychological, financial, emotional, sexual or physical abuse, including the inappropriate prescription of anti-psychotics. In most cases of repeated abuse, the abuser is well-known to the older person.
Source:
Somerset Domestic Abuse: ‘Older people and domestic abuse’.
experienced domestic abuse in the past year in the UK, equivalent to 700,000 older people.
1
are victims of abuse.
2
Sources:
Age UK: Shining a spotlight on domestic abuse in older people, December 2025. (1)
Hourglass: ‘Who we are’. (2)
Support is available, and you do not have to face this alone. You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for confidential support, information and guidance.
You may also find it helpful to explore specialist support services for Older people:
0808 808 7575 (advice service)
advice@ageni.org
Age NI is the leading charity for older people in Northern Ireland, dedicated to helping people enjoy a better later life. They provide specialist advice, care services, and companionship to combat loneliness, while campaigning for improved policies on health, money, and housing for those aged 50+.
0808 808 8141 (Helpline)
enquiries@wearehourglass.org
Hourglass Support and a helpline for older people experiencing abuse or neglect in Northern Ireland.
028 9043 8316
info@nexusni.org
Provides counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Northern Ireland.
0800 0246 991
Rape Crisis Northern Ireland is a non-governmental organisation and support service for anyone who is 16 and over and has experienced serious sexual assault and rape in adulthood.
028 9040 1280
therowan@northerntrust.hscni.net
Regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre offering medical and forensic support to survivors.