Blackpool Safeguarding Adults Board is encouraging people to speak out about domestic violence and abuse of older adults in a new campaign.



Over the next month, the powerful campaign will feature on bus shelters, on posters in GP surgeries, pharmacies, Customer First, as well as social media posts.

The campaign’s ‘KNOW it’s not too late’ strapline is one of the key messages for those who may have suffered in silence for years.

It aims to encourage older people who are victims of abuse and those that witness abusive behaviour to report it and seek help from specialised support services.

The campaign is also looking to highlight the reality that abuse isn’t just physical. If someone controls a person psychologically, financially, emotionally or sexually, this is still abuse and it’s not acceptable.

National charity SafeLives is dedicated to ending domestic abuse and works with professionals and organisations across the UK. It has highlighted that “Victims aged 61 plus are much more likely to experience abuse from an adult family member than those 60 and under”.

In addition, “On average, older victims experience abuse for twice as long before seeking help as those aged under 61”. In one of the charity’s Spotlight reports ‘Safe Later Lives: Older People and Domestic Abuse’ (October 2016) it includes the disturbing statistic that of the older adults that are visible to services, a quarter have lived with abuse for more than 20 years.

Various reasons cited for not leaving an abuser such as a partner include anxiety about leaving behind their homes, pets, and treasured lifetime possessions.

David Sanders, Chair of Blackpool Safeguarding Adults Board, added: “We can offer wide ranging support to people who are being abused and professional advice to those who report any suspected cases.

“Our message is that there are people here to help. No one should hesitate to get in contact. We are here to protect victims and prevent further harm.”

Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Secretary for Resilient Communities, Cllr Graham Cain, said: “Domestic abuse has an impact on people of all ages and from all walks of life and it does not necessarily end as people grow older. Some people may have experienced abuse for years without having notified anyone of it.”

“We urge everybody who may have been subjected to any form of abuse to report it. We would also encourage anyone who witnesses abusive behaviour to share that information confidentially with the relevant care services.”

For more information visit www.blackpoolsafeguarding.org.uk/Know

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse call SafeNet on 01253 347119 or in an emergency always call 999.