‘Much of the abuse of older people happens behind closed door’: Deputy First Minister speaks our at Hourglass Lisburn launch

‘Much of the abuse of older people happens behind closed door’: Deputy First Minister speaks our at Hourglass Lisburn launch

 

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 19.10.26

 

Emma Little-Pengelly joins senior political figures as the charity opens its Northern Ireland office and unveils a manifesto calling for stronger protections for older people.

 

Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister has highlighted the abuse of older people within families and warned that the issue is still not spoken about enough, as charity Hourglass formally opens its new office in Lisburn.

 

Speaking at the launch, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA said:

 

“We often talk about the type of world we want to create for our children, and yet we so rarely talk about the kind of world we want to create for our older people, for our grandparents, for our parents, for ourselves when we get to that point.”

 

“Tonight is such a good opportunity to highlight the fact that much of the abuse of older people happens behind closed doors. It’s happening within families, it’s something that quite frankly is not spoken about enough, and I think actually the vast majority of people out there across Northern Ireland, would be horrified if they saw the statistics.”

 

The event, held at the Haslem Hotel in Lisburn, brought together political representatives, safeguarding professionals and charity leaders, including Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood and Hourglass patron Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick.

 

The launch comes as police-recorded domestic abuse has risen across Northern Ireland. The latest published PSNI figures show 31,961 domestic abuse incidents in the 12 months to June 2026, an increase of 7.5% on the previous year. These figures cover all age groups and only incidents reported to police, but Hourglass says they reinforce the need to ensure older victim-survivors are not overlooked in the wider response to abuse.

 

Hourglass estimates that almost 2.7 million people aged 60 and over experience abuse each year across the UK. It says the abuse of older people can be particularly difficult to identify and address when a person is dependent upon, or fears losing contact with, the individual causing them harm.

 

Veronica Gray, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy at Hourglass, said:

 

“Abuse doesn’t suddenly stop when someone reaches 60. In fact, for many older people, the circumstances of later life can make recognising abuse, escaping it or even asking for help considerably more difficult.

 

“Opening our new office in Lisburn is about making a long-term commitment to Northern Ireland. We want to work alongside politicians, public services and communities to improve understanding, strengthen protections and ensure that older people know where to turn when they need help.”

 

The office opening represents the culmination of eleven years of work to establish a permanent Hourglass presence in Northern Ireland. It also marked the unveiling of Hourglass’s Northern Ireland manifesto, calling for earlier identification of abuse, better access to specialist support and safeguarding protections which reflect the circumstances of later life. The manifesto comes at a significant moment for adult protection in Northern Ireland. With the Adult Protection Bill progressing through the Assembly, Hourglass believes there is an opportunity to establish stronger legal protections and a more coordinated response to abuse. However, the charity is urging political leaders to look beyond legislation alone and address the wider gaps in awareness, support and understanding of abuse in later life.

 

Speaking at the event, Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick reflected on the charity's growth and the increasingly important role it plays in raising awareness of abuse in later life. She expressed her hope that its expanding presence in Northern Ireland would bring greater recognition to its work and encourage more people to engage with the issue. Sorcha Eastwood MP spoke passionately about the abuse experienced by older people, stressing the importance of collaboration between politicians, public services and the voluntary sector to improve protections and ensure those experiencing abuse receive the support they need. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA outlined the Northern Ireland Executive's responsibilities in tackling abuse and highlighted the explicit inclusion of older people within Northern Ireland's strategy for tackling domestic and sexual abuse, recognising the importance of ensuring their particular needs are addressed

 

Hourglass is urging the Northern Ireland Executive, Assembly members and safeguarding partners to work together to ensure meaningful improvements for older people across Northern Ireland.

 

ENDS

 

Hourglass is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or texting SAFER to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and supporters will be opting in to hear more about Hourglass’ work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. To donate without receiving marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

 

Hourglass media contacts:

 

Richard Robinson, CEO – richardrobinson@wearehourglass.org | 07552 245232 / 07807 229447

 

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO / Policy Director – veronicagray@wearehourglass.org | 07496 663816

 

Notes to Editors:

 

Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity focused solely on ending the abuse and neglect of older people.

Every year, one in six people aged 60 and over experience abuse - equivalent to almost 2.7 million older people across the UK.

 

The charity provides a free 24/7 helpline (0808 808 8141), community-based support and policy advocacy focused on creating a safer ageing society.

 

About Hourglass

 

Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people. The charity works to raise awareness, influence public policy and provide support to older victim-survivors and those concerned about them.

 

Hourglass operates the only UK-wide 24/7 helpline dedicated to the abuse of older people, providing confidential information and support every day of the year on 0808 808 8141.

 

www.wearehourglass.org.uk

 

Hourglass is a registered charity in England and Wales (1140543) and Scotland (SC046278).