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Older People

Older people experience domestic abuse at similar rates to younger people but evidence shows they are less likely to report the abuse or seek support.  In addition, older people are just as likely to be abused by a family member as by an intimate partner and traditional safety measures may not be appropriate where there are complex issues like caring relationships.
 
Older people's experiences of domestic abuse have some unique features compared to younger victims/survivors such as increased risk due to health or disability issues and potential abuse from family members providing care.  This can mean that using the standard DASH Risk Assessment Checklist results in a lower risk score for older victims/survivors so professional judgement becomes paramount, however PJ can vary depending on the knowledge of the practitioner.
 
The Hourglass Cambridgeshire Community Response Officer post was awarded via the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner and is funded for three-years, from 1st April 2022 – 31st March 2025.

The purpose of this service is to provide niche expertise and guidance in order to  improve the response to older victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.   The Hourglass Community Response Officer works closely with the IDVA and ISVA services and as well as other specialist DA and SV Services to provide advice, guidance and support.  The flowcharts below show how the service links in to other DASV services across the county.    Professional advice is available from the Hourglass 24/7 Helpline 0808 808 8141.  A referral form for Hourglass is also below.

 
We developed a DASH Risk Indicator Checklist for use with domestic abuse victims aged 60 and over.  The OP DASH better reflects the risks and complexities faced by older people and therefore gives a more accurate risk indicator.  The OP DASH can be used by any professional and can be used for referrals to MARAC.   
 
We have also developed some guidance for any professional working with older people and domestic abuse - this is also available below.
Older People DASH.docx
OP DA Guidance Cambx V0.2.docx
Hourglass - approved flowchart for Cambs Pboro - VWHub and MASH referrals.docx
Hourglass - approved flowchart for Cambs Pboro - Hourglass Helpline referrals.docx
Hourglass Referral Form - Adult Safeguarding and Other Agencies - (Cambridgeshire).docx
Older People's Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment
 
We developed a DASH Risk Indicator Checklist for victims/survivors aged 60+ - you can download the evaluation report which includes the DASH form below.
 
We are happy for other areas and services to use it, but please can you credit us if you do? 
We'd also love to hear how it goes if any other areas use it.
Older People's DASH Public Report FINAL (6).pdf
Supporting Older LGBTQ+ Survivors of Domestic Abuse
 
The Dewis Choice Project has worked with older LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, and key professionals, to develop this new guidance on best practice for supporting these victims.
 
We encourage all practitioners and volunteers who work with older people to read and use this guidance to ensure older LGBT+ abuse survivors get the best help and support.
 
The guidance can be downloaded below.
Working-with-Older-LGBTQ-FINAL_compressed-1.pdf
Lasting Power of Attorney and Domestic Abuse
 
The guidance below explains how a Lasting Power of Attorney can be used to perpetrate domestic abuse and how to report concerns
Domestic Abuse and Lasting Power of Attorney FINAL.docx

Domestic Abuse and Dementia

The Dewis Choice Project has developed a toolkit for practitioners working with people where there is domestic abuse and dementia.  The toolkit aims to address gaps in practitioners’ knowledge on the co-existence of domestic abuse and dementia. The toolkit offers practical advice to professionals and includes a safety planning tool.

The DASV Partnership are looking to develop some bespoke training around this subject for delivery later in the year.

Dementia related illness isn't limited to older people but we thought this was the best place to put the information.

The DA & Dementia Toolkit can be downloaded below.

Dewis Choice Dementia and DA_COMPRESSED.pdf