How many elder adults are victims of abuse each year in the UK? Understanding the Data

According to research from the charity Hourglass in 2020, an estimated 2.7 million people in the UK over the age of 65 have been affected by abuse. However, official statistics on how many elder adults are victims of abuse each year in the UK can vary significantly, partly due to the pervasive issue of underreporting.

Quick Summary

Official data on elder abuse is hard to pinpoint, but charities like Hourglass estimate millions of older adults are affected annually in the UK. Many cases go unreported, with abuse types varying from financial exploitation to domestic violence and neglect.

Key Points

• Prevalence is Underreported: There is no single definitive annual figure for elder abuse in the UK, as many cases, particularly those involving family members, go unreported.

• High Charity Estimates: The charity Hourglass has estimated that up to 2.7 million people over 65 in the UK have been affected by abuse.

• Domestic Abuse Affects Hundreds of Thousands: Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for England and Wales indicates hundreds of thousands of older people experience domestic abuse annually, though a lower proportion of those aged 75+ are victims compared to younger groups.

• Abuse Occurs Most in the Home: The victim's own home is the most common location for elder abuse, with family members and partners being the most frequent perpetrators.

• Financial and Psychological Abuse are Common: Research suggests that financial and psychological abuse, alongside neglect, are among the most prevalent forms of elder abuse.

• Multiple Factors Increase Risk: Social isolation, dependence on caregivers, and a lack of public awareness about what constitutes elder abuse all contribute to the problem.

Estimating precisely how many elder adults are victims of abuse each year in the UK is a complex challenge, primarily because much of the abuse goes unreported. Unlike many other crimes, abuse against older people often occurs behind closed doors, perpetrated by family members or carers, making it particularly difficult to track. However, various studies and reports by charities and government bodies provide crucial insight into the scale of the problem.

The Challenge of Underreporting

Underreporting is a significant factor in all elder abuse research. Older people may be hesitant to report abuse due to fear of reprisal, reliance on the abuser, or feelings of shame. This means official statistics likely underestimate the true scale of the issue.

Conflicting Data and Interpreting the Figures

Different sources offer varying figures due to differences in methodology and definitions of abuse. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), using data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), tracks domestic abuse for individuals aged 16 and over. While the ONS noted a lower proportion of people aged 75 and over were domestic abuse victims compared to younger groups, the overall number remains substantial. In contrast, a 2020 survey commissioned by the charity Hourglass suggested up to 2.7 million UK citizens over 65 have been affected by abuse, reflecting a broader definition and potential inclusion of those who know someone affected.

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse takes many forms, often occurring simultaneously.

• Financial Abuse: Misusing an older person's money or assets. Hourglass reported this as the most common type in helpline calls.
• Psychological Abuse: Causing mental distress through threats, intimidation, or controlling behaviour.
• Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical pain or injury.
• Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs like food, warmth, or medication. This is common, especially in institutional settings.
• Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity.

The Perpetrators and Locations of Abuse

Abuse is perpetrated by partners, family members, and carers. Hourglass data shows the victim's own home is the most common location, but abuse also occurs in care homes and hospitals.

Location of Abuse	Share of Helpline Calls (Hourglass, year ending March 2022)	Key Considerations
Victim's Own Home	83%	Most common location, often by family. Victims may be isolated.
Care and Nursing Homes	9%	Likely underestimated; linked to staffing and neglect.
Hospitals	5%	Can be linked to neglect or inappropriate care.
Other Locations	3%	Includes sheltered housing or day centres.

Factors Contributing to Elder Abuse

Factors like isolation, dependence on the abuser, carer stress, and lack of awareness increase vulnerability.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Precise annual figures are difficult to obtain due to underreporting, but data from Hourglass and ONS indicate a significant number of older adults are affected each year. The issue is widespread, often involves close family, and requires more awareness, support services, and better data collection.

Resources for Help and Information

Support for those affected by elder abuse is available from organisations like Hourglass and Age UK, as well as local authority safeguarding adults teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary reason why elder abuse statistics are considered underestimated?

The main reason is underreporting, driven by factors such as fear of reprisal from the abuser, dependence on the abuser, feelings of shame, and the location of the abuse, which is often hidden within the home.

What is the difference between data from a charity like Hourglass and figures from the ONS?

Charity data, such as that from Hourglass, often relies on commissioned surveys with broader definitions of abuse and may include abuse reported by someone other than the victim. ONS data is based on the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) and specifically measures domestic abuse involving a partner or family member.

Where does elder abuse most commonly occur in the UK?

According to data from the Hourglass helpline, the victim's own home is the most common location for elder abuse. It also occurs in care homes, hospitals, and other institutional settings.

Who are the most common perpetrators of elder abuse?

Perpetrators are most frequently family members, including adult children, partners, and ex-partners. In institutional settings, staff can also be perpetrators.

What are some of the signs of elder abuse to look out for?

Signs include unexplained injuries, withdrawal or depression, sudden changes in spending or financial habits, weight loss, isolation from friends and family, and poor personal hygiene or health.

What is financial elder abuse?

Financial elder abuse involves the illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property, or assets. This can include stealing money, coercing them into signing documents, or misusing a power of attorney for personal gain.

Where can someone report suspected elder abuse?

You can report suspected elder abuse to the police, the local authority's safeguarding adults team, or contact a charity like Hourglass, which offers a confidential helpline for support and advice.