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Directory and Helplines
Rights of Women
Legal advice and information for women including domestic violence and sexual violence.
National line, Tues – Thurs 7am – 9pm, Friday 12pm – 2pm
– 020 7251 6577
ManKind initiative
National help and advice line for male victims of domestic abuse.
Weekdays, 10am – 4pm
– 01823 334244
Respect - The Men’s Advice Line
National advice line for male domestic abuse survivors.
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Wednesday 9am – 8pm – 0808 801 0327
BAWSO
Offers assistance to Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Wales who are affected by abuse, violence, and exploitation.
– 0800 731 8147
Age Cymru:
Focuses on supporting older individuals in Wales, including those experiencing domestic abuse.
– 0300 303 44 98
(Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm)
National Stalking Helpline (England Only)
Provides guidance and information to anyone affected by stalking.
– 0808 802 0300
Sign Health
Specialises in supporting deaf individuals experiencing domestic abuse, offering services in British Sign Language (BSL).
– 020 3947 2601
Stay Safe East
Stay Safe East: Provides support for disabled survivors of domestic abuse.
– 020 8519 7241
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Offers support to LGBT+ individuals experiencing domestic abuse.
– 0800 999 5428
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis if something sexual happened to you without your consent – or you're not sure – you can talk to Rape Crisis. No matter when it happened.
– 0808 500 2222
Respect Phoneline
A confidential helpline offering advice and support to help perpetrators stop their abusive behaviour.
– 0808 802 4040
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Dewis Choice provides specialist, longer-term advocacy and support for people aged 60 and over who kare living in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokechirre and are experiencing domestic abuse from a partner, former partner or adult family member.
We recognise that domestic abuse in later life can involve complex family relationships, caring responsibilities and concerns about health, independence and wellbeing. Our approach is guided by each person's experiences, wishes and priorities.
We work alongside older people to:
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Explore their options and make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.
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Understand their rights and access appropriate protection and support.
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Develop personalised approaches to safety that reflect their circumstances and choices.
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Navigate practical challenges involving family relationships, housing, finances and care.
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Support longer-term wellbeing and recovery.
Our approach recognises that people may want the abuse to stop without necessarily wanting to end a relationship or lose contact with a family member.
Dewis Choice accepts referrals from professionals and service providers only. We are unable to accept direct referrals from older people, relatives or friends.
Professionals considering a referral should consult our Eligibility and Referral Pathway, which explains who we can support and how referrals are made.
Help and Support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone else, or supporting an older person who may be experiencing abuse, confidential advice and support are available.
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You do not need to be certain that what is happening is domestic abuse before asking for help.
If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your phone, computer or online activity, take care when searching for information or support.
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Use a safer device if possible, such as a trusted friend's phone or a computer the person cannot access.
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Be aware of browsing history. Websites you visit may be visible to someone who has access to your device. Private browsing does not guarantee complete privacy.
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Think before deleting your history. Removing browsing activity may raise suspicion if someone is monitoring your device.
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Protect your accounts. Be aware that someone may have access to your emails, passwords, location sharing or connected devices.
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Use the Exit Site button if you need to leave this website quickly. Remember that it does not erase your browsing history.
If you are unsure how to stay safe online, a specialist domestic abuse service can help you consider your options.
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Live Fear Free – Wales
Free, confidential support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about someone else. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 0808 80 10 800
Text: 07860 077333
Online support: www.gov.wales/live-fear-free
Information & Support
Domestic abuse can affect older women and men, including LGBTQ+ older people. It may be perpetrated by a partner, former partner, adult son or daughter, grandchild or other family member. Abuse can take many forms, including controlling behaviour, threats and intimidation.
Whether you're concerned about your own experiences, worried about someone else, or work with older people, you'll find information here to help you recognise domestic abuse and find appropriate support.
Recognising domestic abuse in later life
Domestic abuse is not always physical, and it can sometimes be difficult to recognise, particularly when abusive behaviour is presented as care, concern or part of ordinary family life.
It can include:
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Emotional and psychological abuse: intimidation, humiliation, threats, isolation or controlling someone's everyday decisions.
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Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, restraining or deliberately causing injury.
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Sexual abuse: unwanted sexual contact or sexual activity without consent.
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Economic abuse: taking or controlling someone's money, property or possessions, or preventing access to financial resources.
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Coercive and controlling behaviour: repeated patterns of behaviour that restrict independence, freedom and choice.
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Technology-facilitated abuse: monitoring communications, tracking someone's location or using devices and accounts to intimidate or control them.
In later life, these behaviours may be overlooked or explained away as family disagreements, caring difficulties or concerns about someone's health or capacity. Recognising the possibility of abuse is an important first step towards responding appropriately.