Psychological

Hourglass NI

Psychological or emotional abuse involves threats of harm, bulling and harassment and other behaviours or acts of coercive control which deliberately try to scare, humiliate, isolate or ignore an older person. Such abuse can also relate to acts that may contravene the human rights of older people, such as the restriction or prevention of older people meeting their religious or cultural needs.

It is rare for psychological abuse to happen in isolation and often it is linked to other forms of abuse or harm.

What are the signs of psychological abuse?

Psychological abuse can have a profound impact on someone’s mental health. Victims can feel trapped, threatened, humiliated, used, or a combination of all these. Most signs therefore relate to someone’s mental state, and changes in behaviour:

  • Helplessness
  • Hesitation to talk openly
  • Implausible stories
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Anger without apparent cause
  • Sudden change in behaviour
  • Emotionally upset or agitated
  • Unusual behaviour (sucking, biting, or rocking)
  • Unexplained fear
  • Denial of a situation
  • Extremely withdrawn and non-communicative or non-responsive
  • An older person telling you they are being verbally or emotionally abused

To view an information brochure on psychological abuse, click here.

Useful resources

Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
This is aimed at the over 55’s and is delivered to groups in community settings. The...
Prostate Cancer UK have a team of trained volunteers throughout the UK who carry out...
Having successfully been partners in Project Retain, the focus for the PHA and Age NI...
Our residential care services are recognised as models of best practice for people with...
My Life, My Wellbeing is a new service which offers short-term support and reassurance...
Our Community Response programme highlights Hourglass’ commitment to further develop and...
We provide vital domiciliary care services to support hundreds of individuals in Northern...
Age NI teamed up with Lady Mary Peters to launch an exercise programme aimed specifically...
Age NI, with the support of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, is...
The Age-Inclusive Learning Network brings professionals with an interest in age inclusion...
Cancer Focus NI, Keeping Well vans are mobile drop-in units which bring health checks,...
Hourglass volunteers are at the heart of our work. They are at the frontline for people...
This idea is a walk in the park. It really is that simple, post a news item to see how...
We know that looking after our physical health is important to ageing well. But it's...
This includes: Raising awareness of depression and Aware NI services at a wide range of...
We are all living longer, which means that the majority of us are likely to be working...
Age NI's First Connect service offers dedicated emotional and practical support at...
Age NI is offering an exciting new project aimed at supporting older people to live well...
Age NI day centres provide a opportunity for activity and friendship for older people...
The Still Ready for Work programme supports people aged 50+ to remain in work, to change...
Track your treatment and wellbeing
The Nike+ Run Club app tracks your run and helps you reach your goals, whether it’s...
Support to drink responsibly
Support for breast cancer
Fabulous! Is a motivational app that uses challenges to help build physically and...