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What is Domestic Abuse?
The Definition of Domestic Abuse in England and Wales is:
A single incident or repeated pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour by a current or ex-partner, or family member, who is aged 16 years and over.
Domestic abuse can include:
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Psychological abuse
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Physical abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Financial abuse
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Emotional abuse
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Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation.
Does domestic abuse only affect people who live together?
No, domestic abuse does not only affect people who live together. It can happen in any relationship, including between people who are dating, married, or separated.
Domestic abuse can also happen between family members, such as adult children or grandchildren, siblings, or other relatives, regardless of whether they live together or not.
Does domestic abuse happen to older people?
Yes, domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age. However, older people are less likely than younger people to identify their experiences as domestic abuse. This can be barrier to disclosing abuse and seeking help and support.
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Older people can experience the same forms and severity of abuse as younger people, but also additional forms of abuse targeted at their age, including, disability, declining health, dementia, and care and support needs.
Older people are more likely to be isolated than younger people and their opportunities to disclose abuse may be reduced, particularly if they have care and support needs and are always accompanied by partners or family members in their interactions with others, for example, health appointments.
Dewis Choice have adapted the Power and Control Wheel to illustrate older people’s experiences of domestic abuse from intimate partners and adult family members. The Wheel is based on the lived experiences of over 90 victim-survivors that have engaged with Dewis Choice.
Who are we?
We support people aged 60 years and over facing domestic abuse in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Since 2015, we have provided long-term support to women, men, and non-binary individuals, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ and those living with dementia.
We also extend support and guidance to family members and families of choice, where safe and appropriate to do so.
Our Approach
Dewis Choice provides specialist support for older victim-survivors of domestic abuse, including harm from intimate partners, adult family members, and families of choice. Our service is grounded in a client-led, trauma-informed approach that prioritises dignity, respect, and autonomy.
We Offer
Tailored, long-term support for individuals aged 60 and over who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Emotional and practical assistance to help victim-survivors regain independence and make informed choices about their lives.
Support in accessing legal protection and justice, ensuring that rights and preferences are fully respected throughout the process.
Who Can Use The Service?
We accept referrals from professionals and service providers only. This includes the police, social services, domestic abuse organisations, the NHS, mental health services, and other health services.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept referrals directly from concerned individuals, family members, or friends.
Help and Support
(Staying Safe Online)
If you are searching for information or support regarding domestic abuse, it is important to consider your online safety. When you browse the internet, your activity leaves a digital trail that may be accessible to others who use the same device or are linked to the same accounts. Below are some steps to help you cover your tracks and reduce the risk of someone discovering your online activity.
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Covering Your Tracks While Browsing
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If you need to leave this website quickly, use the ‘Change Site’ button at the top right of this page. This will redirect you to a neutral website, such as BBC News. However, you will still need to delete your browsing history afterward - more on this below:
Using Private Browsing or Incognito Mode
Most web browsers offer a private browsing option that prevents your browsing history from being saved:
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Google Chrome – Open a new Incognito window (3 dots > ‘New Incognito Window’). [Alternatively, hold ctrl+shift+N]
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Mozilla Firefox – Open a new Private window (3 lines > ‘New Private Window’).
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Microsoft Edge – Open a new InPrivate window (3 dots > ‘New InPrivate Window’). [Alternatively, hold ctrl+shift+N]
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Safari – Open a private tab (2 overlapping squares in the bottom right of the screen > ‘Private’).
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While this prevents your history from being saved on your device, it does not hide your activity from websites or internet providers.
Clearing Your Browsing History
If you have visited websites without private browsing, you can manually delete your history:
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Google Chrome: Menu (3 dots) > ‘History’ > ‘Clear Browsing Data’.
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Mozilla Firefox: Menu (3 lines) > ‘Library’ > ‘History’ > ‘Clear Recent History’.
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Microsoft Edge: Menu (3 dots) > ‘History’ > ‘Clear History’.
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Safari: Menu (Safari) > ‘History’ > ‘Clear History’.
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Be aware that clearing your history may alert others if they notice a missing browsing history.
Protecting Your Search and Account Activity
If you are logged into a Google or iCloud account, your search history may sync across multiple devices. Clear your history on all devices and check your account’s activity settings.​
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Disable predictive text and auto-complete features to prevent
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previously visited sites from appearing in your browser’s address bar.
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Log out of all accounts when finished and consider changing your passwords regularly.
Clearing Search History On Mobile Devices
Google App:
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Open the app > ‘More’ (3 dots) > ‘History’ > Clear history.
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Safari App:
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Open Safari > Bookmarks (open book icon) > History (clock icon) > Clear history.
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Alternatively, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Safari’ > ‘Clear History and Website Data’.
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Microsoft Edge App:
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Open the app > ‘History’ > Clear history.
Managing Emails
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Sent emails are stored in your ‘Sent’ folder and must be deleted separately.
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Deleted emails may still be in the ‘Deleted Items’ or ‘Trash’ folder and should be permanently removed.
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If you need to save an email for evidence, print (if safe to do so) or forward it to a trusted person before deleting it.
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If you are worried about someone accessing your email account, consider setting up a new email with a different password.
Securing Your Device
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Use strong passwords on all devices and accounts.
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Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
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Regularly update passwords to prevent unauthorised access.
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Ensure your device is logged out when not in use.
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Use different passwords for different accounts and devices
Additional Safety Measures
If you are in immediate danger or believe someone is monitoring your online activity, consider using a public computer at a library, workplace, or trusted friend’s house. You can also access support services from a safe device.
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For more detailed guidance on staying safe online, visit your browser’s official support page: · Google Chrome Help · Mozilla Firefox Support · Microsoft Edge Support · Apple Safari Support
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Your safety is the top priority. Take steps to protect yourself and seek support when needed.