Abuse and neglect of adults with care and support needs

Domestic abuse

Female in wheelchair

There are different types of adult abuse, some of which are also criminal offences. See below for more information about adult abuse, however please also note that evidence of one indicator should not be taken on its own as proof that abuse is happening. The list of indicators is not exhaustive, there are other indicators that do not appear here, and individuals may be subject to more than one type of abuse at the same time.

Types of domestic violence or abuse

Domestic violence or abuse can be characterised by any of the indicators of abuse outlined previously relating to:

  • psychological
  • physical
  • sexual
  • financial

Domestic violence and abuse includes any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. It also includes so called 'honour’ -based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Coercive or controlling behaviour is a core part of domestic violence. Coercive behaviour can include:

  • acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation
  • harming, punishing, or frightening the person
  • isolating the person from sources of support
  • exploitation of resources or money
  • preventing the person from escaping abuse
  • regulating everyday behaviour.

For more information please watch our short video on domestic abuse here.

Possible indicators of domestic violence or abuse

  • Low self-esteem
  • Feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not
  • Physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, broken bones
  • Verbal abuse and humiliation in front of others
  • Fear of outside intervention
  • Damage to home or property
  • Isolation – not seeing friends and family
  • Limited access to money

Real life example of domestic abuse

In 2011 Malcolm Beardon, aged 79 killed his wife Margaret who was suffering from dementia. Mr Beardon was reported to have ‘snapped’ after caring for his wife for many years. Mr Beardon was said to have ’lost control’ and was supported by his family throughout his trial.

In 2009 Kenneth Mann, 81, killed his wife Doreen with 2 knives and a hammer – he was reported to be suffering with depression after struggling to adapt to retirement. Mr Mann was being treated for clinical depression and Mrs Mann had said to others that she feared he may harm her – but despite being urged did not leave the relationship. After attacking his wife, who died from her injuries, Mr Mann drowned himself in the bath. The bodies were found by a psychiatric worker who alerted police after being unable to get a reply at the front door for 2 days. The deaths were described by professionals as a “double tragedy” and Mr Mann’s mind as “having a disturbed balance at the time of his death”.

Domestic abuse in older people is often characterised as ‘out of character’ or ‘sudden’, and often framed in the context of illness or caring for another. However, research around domestic abuse across all generations shows that a victim is abused on average 37 times before they tell anyone, meaning the sudden loss of control theory is unlikely to be the truth.
The director of Women’s Aid says "The abuse, whether physical or psychological, is often very long-term, perhaps throughout a 40-year marriage. The abuser can often present as very frail: if the woman has a disability or is in failing health it can add to her vulnerability. Older women often tell us that they don't think they will be believed when they go to agencies for help."

Very few Domestic Violence cases in older people go to court because of the age of those involved, and very few are reported as in an older relationship the victim is likely to have experienced years of psychological abuse and coercive control, making abuse normalised.

Further support

Safe to Talk, Coventry City Council's domestic abuse website

See our collection of posters for further information:

View a print version