Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help prevent the coercive control of older people for financial gain.

This Government recognises the devastating impact that financial and economic abuse can have on victims. Whilst anyone can suffer from domestic abuse, we know that older victims, especially where dependent on others, may find it more difficult to recognise that they are experiencing coercive control and economic abuse and seek help.

The Government supports access to specialist services for all victims of domestic abuse. The Home Office funds Hourglass, a specialist organisation focused on the abuse and neglect of older people, to provide enhanced helpline support to victims and survivors of coercive control and domestic abuse in England and Wales. Hourglass also works with other frontline organisations to ensure safer ageing, including by raising awareness of economic abuse.