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Ten per cent of older people will experience some form of domestic abuse and in Somerset the number of people over sixty-five reporting abuse is on the increase.

Social isolation has been identified as one of the leading contributors and, at a time when more people are isolated due to the current lockdown, we would like to reassure everyone  help is, and will continue to be, available for those experiencing domestic abuse – whatever their age.

Older people are particularly vulnerable to domestic abuse, often unaware that help is available. Fear and long-term health conditions can be major barriers to seeking and getting help, and sometimes spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly can be difficult.

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:

• Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
• Financial/economic abuse
• Online abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse

 It is believed that abuse of seniors is still significantly under reported, despite the recent rise.  Tragically, many will suffer in silence, behind closed doors, in shame or embarrassment.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried or suspect that someone you know, including a colleague, is experiencing or may be at risk of experiencing domestic abuse, then help is available at www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999.

There is also information on the website to advise managers, colleagues and friends what to do if they suspect someone is experiencing domestic abuse and support available if you are worried about the impact of your own behaviour towards others.

In an emergency you should always dial 999, if you worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent and dial 55 for help.

More information about the coronavirus and domestic abuse can be found here:  http://www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk/covid-19-support/

Can you help spread the word on social media? Search #NoClosedDoors2020 in Google and repost/retweet the messages to your friends and followers in case they are experiencing domestic abuse.

Suggested newsletter copy

Ten per cent of older people will experience some form of domestic abuse and in Somerset the number of people over sixty-five reporting abuse is on the increase.

Social isolation has been identified as one of the leading contributors and, at a time when more people are isolated due to the current lockdown, we would like to reassure everyone  help is, and will continue to be, available for those experiencing domestic abuse – whatever their age.

Older people are particularly vulnerable to domestic abuse, often unaware that help is available. Fear and long-term health conditions can be major barriers to seeking and getting help, and sometimes spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly can be difficult.

 It is believed that abuse of seniors is still significantly under reported, despite the recent rise.  Tragically, many will suffer in silence, behind closed doors, in shame or embarrassment.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried or suspect that someone you know, including a colleague, is experiencing or may be at risk of experiencing domestic abuse, then help is available at www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999.

In an emergency you should always dial 999, if you worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent and dial 55 for help.