Learning from Sussex: why we need specialist local support for older victim-survivors.

Supporting Older Victim-Survivors: The Success of Hourglass and Sussex PCC Partnership

Hourglass (Safer Ageing) is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting older victim-survivors of abuse. Older individuals often face unique barriers to accessing support services, making specialist care essential for their safety and recovery.

Recognising this, Hourglass partnered with the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) two years ago to implement a groundbreaking initiative: the employment of specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) within the community.

This partnership has proven to be a resounding success, offering a model for how older people should be supported in all communities across the UK. The evidence from Sussex demonstrates that these specialist local IDVAs provide a crucial lifeline for older victim-survivors, offering tailored assistance that addresses the unique challenges they face.

The Call for Action: Scaling Up Support for Older Victims

Hourglass is urging the UK Government to take decisive steps to ensure older victim-survivors receive the support they need. Through legislation and subsequent guidance, the Government must encourage the commissioning of specialist support services for older people.

The Sussex model serves as a compelling case study for other regions, proving that dedicated, localised specialist support services can make a life-changing difference.

In summary, we’re calling on Police and Crime Commissioners to

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across the UK must:

Look to the success achieved in Sussex.
Take a more ambitious and proactive approach to supporting older people in their communities.
Prioritise funding for specialist services to ensure no older person is left without adequate care.

The Role of the Victims and Prisoners Bill

The Victims and Prisoners Bill, currently under consideration, has the potential to be a transformative vehicle for advancing specialist services for older victims in England and Wales. However, for it to be effective, the Bill must be strengthened with clear provisions for:

Encouraging tailored support for older victims.
Mandating training for professionals to recognise the specific barriers faced by older individuals.
Allocating resources to specialist organisations like Hourglass.

Breaking Down Barriers for Older Victims

Older individuals often encounter significant obstacles when seeking help, including:

Ageist Attitudes: Misconceptions that abuse doesn't affect older people or that they are less vulnerable to harm.

Accessibility Challenges: Difficulty navigating systems designed with younger demographics in mind

Fear of Retaliation or Stigma: Worries about being judged or disbelieved, particularly in smaller, tight-knit communities. This is often compounded when factoring in that the majority of perpetrators of abuse of older people are family members, leading to victim-survivors feeling reluctant to report abuse.

Specialist services like those championed by Hourglass and the Sussex PCC are uniquely positioned to address these barriers by:

Providing tailored support that meets the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of older victims.
Building trust and ensuring a safe, non-judgmental environment for disclosure.

A Vision for a Safer Future

Hourglass envisions a future where every older person, regardless of their location, has access to specialist support services that meet their unique needs. By following the Sussex PCC’s example, communities can create a safer environment for older victim-survivors and send a powerful message: abuse at any age is unacceptable.

It’s time for the Government, Police and Crime Commissioners, and service providers to act.

sussex Learning from Sussex: why we need specialist local support for older victim-survivors.

DOWNLOAD HERE