SINCE opening the UK’s first refuge for older women, a North-East charity has experienced a 500 per cent spike in over-55s turning to them for help.

In June 2015, EVA Women’s Aid opened Britain’s only safe house specifically for older victims of domestic abuse.

The refuge – which has been almost consistently full since opening - was set up to meet a growing demand, with statistics from charities illustrating a stark rise in older women accessing domestic abuse services in recent years.

Last week, the Redcar-based charity’s chief executive, Richinda Taylor said figures from EVA show the number of over-45s contacting them had rocketed 43 per cent since the launch of the unique refuge – with a 500 per cent increase in those aged between 55 and 65.

Speaking at a domestic abuse conference held in Stockton recently, Ms Taylor and Becky Rogerson from Middlesbrough charity My Sisters’ Place outlined the complexities surrounding the abuse of older women.

They discussed difficulties in tackling the abuse of women from generations defined by different values, saying it was important to recognise the often long-term nature of problematic behaviour.

The pair also highlighted problems specific to older people – such as the impact of dementia and situations in which a spouse is also a carer and therefore reluctant to leave their partner without adequate support for them.

Ms Taylor said EVA’s over-45s project was set up in a bid to recognise the differing needs of older women, many of whom would struggle in mixed-age accommodation.

She said: “Do not tell me there is no need for accommodation for older women, there is no age limit to domestic abuse.

“People just don’t think it happens but we are meeting a growing need and take women from across the country.

“In 2016, we had a 43 per cent increase in women over 45 contacting us and a 500 per cent increase in women aged between 55 and 65.”

For information or support, visit evawomensaid.org.uk.