We're told there's 'no age limit' when it comes to domestic abuse in South Yorkshire
A number of key partner agencies have recently teamed up with the aim of tackling the issue
Several key partner agencies across South Yorkshire insist they're 'eager to smash through the stigma' around domestic abuse & elderly people.
In Barnsley - services like the Council & South Yorkshire Police are teaming up- & pledging to do more to try & help older victims.
A conference took place yesterday at Barnsley College on the matter involving the following organisations:
-Age UK Barnsley
-Barnsley Council
-Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS)
-NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
-South Yorkshire Police
With support from the Safer Barnsley Partnership.
Age UK Barnsley Chair of Trustees Tricia Watters said:
“We know from the work that we do in our communities that there is no age limit to domestic abuse. Older people are just as likely to suffer from violence, coercion and abuse in their later years, from a spouse or other family members. Many of these adults are reluctant to come forward and seek help and support as they don’t see images of themselves in the press.
“I am hugely proud that this conference is taking place, bringing together the key partners across Barnsley to strengthen our local offer and ensure that no older person has to live in fear of domestic abuse and violence.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in organising this conference.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Safer Barnsley Partnership added:
‘’Reducing domestic abuse has been a key priority for the Safer Barnsley Partnership.
"Following the release of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, raising awareness and indeed creating opportunities to better understand how we can tackle challenges and find solutions by working together with our communities is key to our success.
"Safer Barnsley partnership is committed to a zero tolerance of any type of domestic abuse and therefore fully support this joint initiative.’’