On Thursday 2nd May, we’re asking you to use your vote to show support for all older victim-survivors of abuse.

From 7am on Thursday 2 May, polling stations across England and Wales will open for you to cast your vote in the Mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections. 

Every year around  2.7 million older people in the UK experience some form of physical, psychological, sexual, economic, domestic abuse or neglect. With a growing population, increase in life expectancy and the impact of the cost of living crisis, the number of older victims is only set to grow.

Older victim-survivors of abuse face unique challenges such as dementia, digital exclusion, lack of awareness around support options and increased vulnerability due to disability. Often, perpetrators are close family members or intimate partners, with victim-survivors relying on them for care needs or as their sole social contact. Older people often feel reluctant or unable to report  abuse and, in some cases, may not even see themselves as victims of abuse at all.

As a result, older victim-survivors require specialist support, from trained professionals who are aware of the unique challenges and needs of older victim-survivors, and who are equipped to respond. 

At Hourglass, we believe in the right to grow old safely, without fear of harm, abuse and exploitation. Where abuse has occurred, specialist support must be widely available and accessible to all. 

We are asking you to join Hourglass in calling for all candidates to pledge their support to:  

1. Call for specialist services for older victim-survivors such as Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs).
2. Ensure that data on crimes committed against older people is properly collected and reported on by police forces.
3. Develop localised crime strategies that have a dedicated aim to tackle the abuse of older people, which include programmes and resources to support older victim-survivors.

On Thursday 2nd May, make sure you cast your vote and have your voice heard. With your help, we can create a safer ageing society for all.

Why are specialist services so important? Read about our partnership with the Sussex PCC here.

To find out more about the candidates running for Police and Crime Commissioner in your area, visit: https://choosemypcc.org.uk/.

For more information about local elections in your area, visit: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information.

Sign up to our newsletter to keep in touch with Hourglass news, campaigns, releases and more: https://www.wearehourglass.org/newsletter-sign