Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence is one of the 10 categories of abuse identified within the Care Act.
The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
"Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality"
The abuse includes, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse, honour-based violence harassment, slurs or similar treatment, racism, gender and gender identity, ageism, disability, sexual orientation, religion.
Under the Care Act 2014, the safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:
- has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs)
- is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
- as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect
If you suspect someone who is suffering domestic abuse also meets the criteria under the care act, you can report your concerns online.
Domestic abuse and older people: Understanding the hidden struggles
In 2025 the GSAB were part of a multi-agency group who worked collaborative to develop a resource specifically aimed at practitioners working with older people who may be experiencing domestic abuse. We recognise that domestic abuse affects people of all ages, but older individuals often face unique and complex challenges that can make it harder to seek help or be identified by services.
Barriers to support
Older people may experience physical limitations such as mobility issues, sensory impairments, or age-related health conditions that make accessing support more difficult. Abuse may also come from adult children or caregivers, creating emotional and practical dependencies that complicate disclosure.
Long-term impact
Abuse in later life is often long-standing, meaning older people may require extended periods of support to recover and rebuild their lives. They may not recognise the behaviour as abuse, especially if it has been ongoing for many years or if they rely on the abuser for care or companionship.
Invisible to services
Older people can be overlooked by domestic abuse services, as their visible health needs often take priority. They are also less likely to self-refer, which means professionals working in health and social care settings play a crucial role in identifying abuse and offering support.
The role of professionals
It's essential that services working with older adults are confident in recognising the signs of domestic abuse and asking sensitive questions about safety and wellbeing. Creating safe spaces for disclosure and understanding the specific needs of older people is key to ensuring they receive the protection and support they deserve.
The group created a Multi-Agency Domestic Abuse Pathway for Older People Toolkit (PDF, 237 KB), designed to support practitioners by outlining key pathways and considerations when working with older individuals affected by domestic abuse, alongside a poster (PDF, 1 MB) which can be displayed to encourage individuals to see support if they are suffering domestic abuse:
Further information
Further information on the support which is available from Gateshead Council for people suffering domestic abuse can be found on their website.
