Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland takes the OATH

We are delighted to announce that Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland’s (CJI’s) Deputy Chief Inspector, James Corrigan,have taken the OATH and committed to a Safer Ageing Society by 2050.

The Older Age, Tomorrow’s Hope (OATH) campaign was launched by Hourglass in May 2024 and calls for everyone to commit to a safer future for older people. It is estimated that over 2.5 million older people across the UK are affected by abuse each and every year, however we believe this is sadly just the tip of the iceberg. Countless cases of abuse go unreported with the majority of cases taking place within the victim-survivors own home, and most often perpetrated by their own family members. 

Older victim-survivors are subject to the worst kinds of abuse and exploitation, with devastating results for their health and wellbeing. The situation is already dire, but with a rapidly ageing population, increasing economic hardship and an already struggling social care system, it is set to get even worse. 

An estimated 100,000 older people experience some form of abuse in Northern Ireland every year and with older people constituting approximately 23% of the population (and rising), it’s clear that without action, abuse prevalence will only continue to rise. Some studies suggest that the 65+ population in Northern Ireland will increase by sixty percent by 2050, with the largest increase being seen in the 85+ age group. 

Our Safer Ageing Index for Northern Ireland found similar results to other nations, underlining the current lack of infrastructure to facilitate a safer ageing society, with shortfalls in social care, safeguarding, care home provision and a lack of funding for specialist support services. Tackling this abuse requires a multifaceted approach and Hourglass is at the forefront in pushing for co-operative working between third-sector organisations, the criminal justice system, health and social care institutions and more to ensure that older people are protected from abuse. 

We warmly welcome the proactive nature of CJI in supporting the Hourglass OATH campaign and are delighted that both Chief Inspector Jacqui Durkin and Deputy Chief Inspector James Corrigan are committing to a Safer Ageing Society by 2050. 

“Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has signed the OATH to reflect our commitment to improving how Northern Ireland’s criminal justice organisations treat vulnerable older people and contribute to a safer community for older people who have confidence in our criminal justice system.”

Last year, CJI published a ‘An Inspection of the Criminal Justice System’s Approach to Vulnerable Older People In Northern Ireland’. The central recommendation arising from this inspection report revolved around the need for criminal justice organisations to recognise and respond to the unique needs and circumstances of vulnerable older people. This reflects a commitment from CJI in recognising that older victim-survivors of abuse require specialist support and tailored care plans, and acknowledges that strategies to tackle abuse of older people must account for unique challenges faced by those over 65. 

Older victim-survivors of abuse face barriers in reporting abuse, accessing support services and feeling able to escape from abusive situations. In many cases, they rely on perpetrators for care needs, are unaware of support options available to them and in some cases may even find it challenging to recognise themselves as an abuse victim. Therefore, when older victim-survivors engage with the criminal justice system, it is imperative that all institutions they encounter are aware of these challenges and are able to respond appropriately. This requires continued working between the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS), the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI) and organisations such as Hourglass to be able to provide guidance to those encountering older victim-survivors on how best to respond and overcome these barriers.

These factors are all considered by CJI and Hourglass is pleased to hear that they are continuing their commitment by supporting the OATH campaign. We’re calling on all criminal justice institutions across the four nations to follow suit and recognise that the abuse of older people is an issue that requires urgent attention, joined up thinking and dedicated strategies to overcome. This is not an issue that is going to dissipate. Without commitments from politicians, police forces, the criminal justice system, health and social care organisations, local government and more, thousands more older people will fall victim to abuse. 

Taking the OATH is the first step. It is recognition that the abuse of older people is a problem and it is an action to join a growing consensus. For those in any sector that encounters older people, taking the OATH is a statement that you are prepared to help older victims of abuse when they need it most. We all deserve to age safely, independently and free from abuse. Your signature makes that voice louder and it shows you are prepared to commit to a safer future for you, your family and everyone you know. 

Please consider joining Hourglass and many others in taking the OATH and joining us in ensuring that we can achieve a Safer Ageing Society by 2050: https://wearehourglass.org/oath