Supporting Victim-Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse in Later Life
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Researchers
Sarah Wydall
Rebecca Zerk
Elize Freeman
Professor Alan Clarke
Professor John Williams
The Overview
Research produced by Dewis Choice, an initiative run by Aberystwyth University, challenged previous responses to Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) which assumed gendered violence only occurs in women under 45 years old. The Dewis Choice Initiative improved access to justice and wellbeing for older victim-survivors of DVA across Wales, through the delivery of a unique co-produced service integrating justice and wellbeing, which safeguarded older victim-survivors; informed more effective provision and delivery of public services for older victim-survivors of DVA across the UK; and informed national guidance and campaigns within Wales on the protection and safeguarding of older people.
The Challenge
Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) occurring in later life sits under the umbrella term ‘elder abuse’ which serves to marginalise older victim-survivors. Research by Dewis Choice shows the discourse in this context can be ageist and sexist, contributing towards discriminatory responses by professionals.
It highlights the importance of framing the significant harms as DVA, not elder abuse, to ensure equality of opportunity, access to justice and improved quality of life for people aged 60 years and over.
The Solution
Dewis Choice, a groundbreaking initiative based in the Centre for Age Gender and Social Justice at Aberystwyth University, led by Sarah Wydall since 2018, is the first dedicated service in the UK for older people who have experienced DVA. The service provides client-led informed choice during all stages of the help-seeking and justice-seeking journey, during crisis incidents, safety planning and recovery.
The Dewis Choice Initiative has produced a grassroots intervention that has been designed by the community specifically to support older victim-survivors of DVA make informed choices about justice including civil, criminal and restorative and to ensure they are not treated differently on account of age, gender, sexuality or disability. The research is also the first of its kind to conduct a prospective longitudinal study examining decision-making in the context of DVA in later life.
"[Dewis Choice is] changing the world and making a real difference…I personally value what you are doing to transform older people’s lives and it’s probably no exaggeration to say to save lives as well."
Older People's Commissioner for Wales, February 2020
The Impact
On the Health and Wellbeing of People
On Practitioners and Delivery of Professional Services
On Public Policy, Law, and Services
Get in touch
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Research Impact Case Studies | Research Theme: Society