Research project on elder abuse appoints new support worker
The first of two special support workers starts work this week as part of a major ground-breaking project aimed at ending abuse against older people. Based in Aberystwyth Law School’s Centre for the Study of Ageing, Abuse and Neglect, , the Dewis Choice project hopes to uncover the often hidden problem of domestic violence against the over 60s. It will also focus on finding solutions, including the promotion of restorative practice which fosters reconciliation between the victim and the abuser. Latest figures suggest more than 39,000 people over 60 suffer domestic abuse in Wales but such cases often go unreported, according to Sarah Wydall who’s one of three Joint Principal Investigators on the Dewis Choice project. “We know that we have an increasingly ageing population but the truth is that older people aren’t newsworthy and don’t get as much attention as the younger generation. They are often invisible to society and as a result, they don’t always get the support they need,” said ...
