Domestic abuse & older people — recognising abuse later in life

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-28

Abuse in later life is different — and under-reported

Older people experience domestic abuse from partners and from adult children or carers. The dynamics often include: control of pension/bank access, medication withholding, refusal of contact with other family, "carer gatekeeping", plus physical and emotional abuse. Shame, dependency and isolation keep it hidden — the abuser is frequently the victim's only daily contact.

The legal framework that catches it

Controlling or coercive behaviour (Serious Crime Act 2015 s.76) is a criminal offence — it covers financial and emotional control, not just violence
FL401 protective orders apply to older victims exactly as to younger — non-molestation and occupation orders work against partners AND adult relatives
Care Act 2014 safeguarding (s.42) — the local authority MUST enquire when an adult with care needs is abused or neglected; request this explicitly (see our children's services page for the adult-safeguarding parallel)
Court of Protection — if the victim lacks capacity and decisions are being abused, the Court of Protection can remove deputies/attorneys acting against the person's interests (LPAs/EPAs can be challenged)

Specialist help

Hourglass — the UK charity for abuse of older people: helpline 0808 808 8141 (wearehourglass.org)
Action on Elder Abuse archive resources via Hourglass
Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65 — wider welfare support
Refuge 0808 2000 247 still applies — the helpline supports older women

Practical notes for family proceedings

Occupations orders can protect a victim living with an abusive adult child (occupation orders aren't only for partners — associated persons include relatives)
Financial abuse evidence (bank statements showing unexplained withdrawals, changes to wills/LPAs under pressure) is relevant to Court of Protection and family proceedings alike
Special measures (see our accessibility guide) matter enormously for older litigants — breaks, remote attendance, BSL/hearing support

Official links

Hourglass: https://wearehourglass.org
Court of Protection: https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/court-of-protection

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Hourglass or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.