The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) supported the United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which took place on 15 June, with the launch of a new campaign called “It’s Never Too Late” which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse affecting older people and encourages victims to seek help. 

The PFCC Essex is one of the partners in SETDAB . 

The campaign uses content and visuals adapted from the ‘Hidden Harms’ animation, co-created by domestic abuse survivors aged between 60 and 93-years-old from Dewis Choice. It explores different types of abuse such as emotional, physical, sexual, and economic abuse, along with coercive control. 

Research shows that domestic abuse in older people is often unrecognised and underreported. Abuse may occur over many years or begin in later life, sometimes building up subtly over time. Abuse isn’t always physical and can include a partner, ex-partner, or family member attempting to exert control. Older people can be abused by an adult child or grandchild as well as by a partner or ex-partner. 

SETDAB have invited voluntary and statutory organisations across Essex to download and use the campaign.