Domestic abuse is often spoken about as something that happens to younger women. This assumption is not only inaccurate — it is harmful. Across the UK, thousands of older women are living with domestic abuse every day, often unseen, unheard, and unsupported.

For women in later life, abuse does not simply disappear with age, retirement, or long-term relationships. In many cases, it continues for decades, begins later in life, or emerges alongside ill health, caring responsibilities, or increased dependency. Research shows clearly that domestic abuse against older women is real, present, and significantly under-reported.

At NIDAS (Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Services), we recognise that older women face unique risks and barriers. That is why we provide specialist, age-appropriate support through our OPVA – Older Person’s Violence Advocate Therapeutic Wellbeing Service, supporting older women from the earliest stages of disclosure through to recovery and independence.

The Scale of Domestic Abuse Among Older Women in the UK

UK data confirms that domestic abuse affects women at every stage of life — including later life.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 3.8 million adults experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025, including 2.2 million women. Older women are clearly represented within these figures.

Analysis by Age UK of ONS data shows that:

• 3.2% of people aged 60–74

• 1.4% of people aged 75+

experienced domestic abuse in a single year. This equates to around 375,000 older victims in England and Wales alone.

These figures are widely believed to be an underestimate, as older women are less likely to report abuse due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness that what they are experiencing is abuse.

Why Domestic Abuse in Older Women Is Often Overlooked

Domestic abuse in later life remains hidden for many reasons.

Older women may:

• Believe abuse is a “private matter”

• Feel ashamed or embarrassed to speak out

• Fear losing their home, carer, or long-term partner

• Worry about being placed into care

• Feel services are “not meant for someone my age”

Research shows that health and social care professionals rarely ask older women directly about domestic abuse, meaning many cases go undetected unless there is visible physical harm.

This silence allows abuse to continue unchecked.

How Domestic Abuse Affects Older Women Differently

Older women experience the same forms of abuse as younger women, but with added layers of vulnerability.

Common forms of abuse include:

• Emotional and psychological abuse

• Coercive control

• Physical violence

• Sexual abuse

• Financial abuse

• Neglect

For older women, abuse may be compounded by:

• Chronic illness or disability

• Dementia or cognitive decline

• Dependence on the abuser for care

• Limited mobility or social isolation

When the abuser is also a carer, abuse may involve neglect — such as withholding food, medication, or personal care — making it even harder to leave or seek help.

The Impact on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Living with domestic abuse over long periods can have a profound effect on mental and emotional wellbeing.

Older women experiencing abuse are more likely to experience:

• Depression and anxiety

• Post-traumatic stress

• Loss of confidence and independence

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Social withdrawal

Research also shows that disabled women are around twice as likely to experience violence and sexual abuse compared to non-disabled women.

This highlights the urgent need for specialist, therapeutic support that understands the intersection between age, health, trauma, and abuse.

Breaking the Myth: Abuse Does Not Stop With Age

There is a persistent myth that domestic abuse is a “young person’s issue.” UK evidence clearly disproves this.

SafeLives estimates that around 120,000 people aged 65+ experience at least one form of abuse in England and Wales.

Abuse may:

• Continue from earlier life

• Escalate after retirement

• Begin following illness or bereavement

• Appear within new later-life relationships

Recognising this reality is essential to protecting older women.

How NIDAS Supports Older Women Experiencing Domestic Abuse

At NIDAS, we believe older women deserve specialist, compassionate, and empowering support — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

That is why we launched the OPVA – Older Person’s Violence Advocate Therapeutic Wellbeing Service, which officially started on 5 January and is delivered by a dedicated specialist worker.

This service supports older women who have experienced domestic abuse through holistic, trauma-informed interventions, working closely with community services, health professionals, and legal systems.

What the OPVA Service Offers

The OPVA service provides tailored support, including:

• Practical and emotional support

• Personalised safety planning

• Advocacy with police, housing, health and legal services

• Domestic abuse awareness and education

• Risk management

• Wellbeing and therapeutic support

Support is delivered at a pace that respects each woman’s circumstances, choices, and lived experience.

Working Together With Professionals

The OPVA service also works collaboratively with professionals across Nottinghamshire, including:

• Health and social care services

• Housing providers

• Community organisations

• Adult safeguarding teams

• Voluntary and statutory agencies

Professionals can contact NIDAS to discuss referrals, partnership working, and how to support older women effectively through this specialist service.

Funded Through Safer Nottinghamshire Together

The OPVA service is funded through Nottinghamshire PCC Safer Nottinghamshire Together multi-year grants, supporting vital work to reduce harm and improve safety across the county.

More information about this funding programme can be found here:
https://www.nottinghamshire.pcc.police.uk/what-we-do-for-you/grants-and-commissioning/safer-nottinghamshire-together-grants/multi-year-grants

Why Early Support Matters

Early, specialist support can:

• Reduce risk of serious harm

• Improve mental well-being

• Increase safety and independence

• Prevent long-term trauma

• Restore confidence and choice

No woman is ever “too old” to seek help — and it is never too late to be safe.

Get Support

NIDAS provides confidential, trauma-informed support for elder women and families affected by domestic abuse.

Get in touch: 
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Call: 01623 683 250
Email: [email protected]