Dewis Choice fills a vital gap in global knowledge. We are the first initiative to gather longitudinal research data on the justice-seeking and help-seeking experiences of older female, male, and non-binary victim-survivors of domestic abuse, including those living with dementia.

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Our research has uncovered powerful insights into the hidden experiences of abuse in later life. Across our sample of older victim-survivors, half had experienced intimate partner abuse, and the other half had experienced abuse from an adult family member.

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The voices of older victim-survivors, aged 60 years and over, are central to our evidence base, and where dementia is involved, we work with those aged 55 and over. Their lived experiences underpin our training materials, policy recommendations, peer-reviewed research, and public engagement work.

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In addition, Dewis Choice is building research capacity across generations. More than 600 volunteers, aged between 8 and 92 years, have contributed to our work.

 

Current research includes:

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• Intersectionality, domestic abuse, and sexual violence across the life course

• Domestic abuse and justice mechanisms

• Co-existence of dementia and domestic abuse

• LGBTQ+ help-seeking and help-providing

• Safeguarding and abuse of older people

• Trauma-informed practices when working with older adults

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Our research is changing how we understand, respond to, and prevent abuse in later life – both nationally and internationally.