Meet The Team

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The Hourglass Team

Hourglass

Marketing

Hourglass marketing team

Colyn Cranney

Brand and Digital Development Lead

TBC

Brian Johnston

Safeguarding Training and Development Lead

As the Safeguarding Training and Development Lead at Hourglass, I lead the organisation's safeguarding learning and development programme, supporting the continuous improvement of safeguarding practice, influencing policy, building strategic partnerships, and working to strengthen protections for older people across the UK. I am responsible for designing and delivering safeguarding training for both internal colleagues and external stakeholders across a range of sectors. I also lead Hourglass' ongoing safeguarding awareness programme through a series of online webinars, bringing together expert speakers and practitioners to explore emerging issues affecting older people. Prior to joining Hourglass, I had a policing career spanning more than 30 years. As a Senior Investigating Officer, I led numerous serious and complex criminal investigations. I later served as Head of Public Protection in Forth Valley, Scotland, where I worked closely with strategic partners to develop and implement innovative services designed to safeguard and support local communities. I also have extensive experience in the strategic scrutiny and inspection of both adult and children's services across Scotland, contributing to improvements in safeguarding practice, service delivery, and public protection. Away from work, I am a keen follower of football and cricket and can often be found walking, listening to music, or attending live concerts.

Janine Hillen

Executive Projects Lead

In my role as Executive Projects Lead, I support the CEO and Deputy CEO on the implementation of strategic projects across the entire organisation. These include high-level transformation initiatives such as the installation of a new CRM system and modernising Front Line Services. I am responsible for the development of internal processes and frameworks relating to governance, quality assurance and risk management. I lead on collaboration internally with colleagues and externally with government departments and key stakeholders in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors. I work closely with the Income Generation team which includes developing and utilising a statutory funding roadmap. In my spare time, I enjoy growing fruit and veg, walking in the Mourne Mountains and renovating old cottages

Millie Robinson

Frontline Services Officer

I provide information, advice, and support to callers who may be experiencing or affected by abuse. The helpline supports victims, as well as their friends and family members, and professionals and agencies seeking to refer individuals to Hourglass. My responsibilities include responding to helpline calls and providing appropriate, accurate, and timely information, advice, and support. I assess the nature and urgency of each contact and respond in an empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental manner. I ensure that callers feel heard and supported while helping them identify realistic and achievable options that are appropriate to their individual needs and circumstances. Outside of work I enjoy watching true crime dramas/documentaries as I find them very interesting, I love walking my dogs and spending time with my family & friends.

Colin Scott

Frontline Services Lead (Scotland and Northern Ireland)

Colin Scott is Hourglass’s Frontline Services Lead for Scotland and Northern Ireland. He is an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDAA), and has supported victim-survivors in Scotland, NI, Wales and England. Colin helps to oversee the Hourglass Helpline, and has also worked on the charity’s statistics and reporting. Before joining Hourglass in March 2020, Colin had worked as a Salvation Army Officer for 10 years, supporting a wide variety of people facing challenging circumstances. Encountering familial abuse of older people in that role was preparation for his current work

Kiera Koroma

Frontline Services Officer

My name is Keira, and I am a Frontline Services Officer and work on the Helpline. My role involves actively listening to callers and ensuring they leave a call feeling heard. Often it has taken a great degree of strength to contact the Helpline and I feel a core aspect of my role is to acknowledge, admire and celebrate this with callers. I’ve worked for a number of Helplines and telephone-based roles. I’ve also volunteered for a number of organisations since I was a child. Including transformative placements as a Student Carer and as a Befriender focusing on older clients. I’ve also been part of research focusing on social care in Britain. So working for Hourglass is a wonderful opportunity to combine my various roles and research. A unique fact about myself is that I studied Archaeology for A Levels and I went on to study Social Anthropology for my undergrad.

Richard Gaston

Trust Fundraising Officer

In my role as Trust Fundraising Officer, I research trusts and foundations whose priorities fit with the aims and objectives of Hourglass and write funding applications. This requires collaboration with colleagues across the Executive Team, Frontline Services and Policy & Research. These opportunities can be for our work across the UK, or for work within specific regions or counties. These applications articulate the need for Hourglass as an advocate for older people, why we are best placed to provide this specialism and what the resulting impacts of a grant will be. Coming from a 30+ year background in arts management, marketing and fundraising, my role at Hourglass has allowed me to broaden my experience of the charity sector and to learn about the really important issue of the abuse of older people. Previously I worked for a variety of arts venues in Northern Ireland, including marketing and capital development roles at the Lyric Theatre and Strand Arts Centre, and for a number of festivals including Belfast Festival and Queen’s, Cinemagic and Belfast Film Festival. In my spare time, I have been known to pop up on the amateur musical theatre stage. Details of the next performance will be confirmed here in due course.

Sean Quinn

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

I am a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA) based in Wales. Part of my work involves providing specialist support to older people who are experiencing Domestic Abuse. This involves carrying out thorough risk assessments that ensure I provide a detailed safety plan to safeguard each individual. I work closely with other statutory and volunteer agencies to deliver the best all round service we can to help survivors recover from the harmful effects of Domestic Abuse. I attend events across Wales to raise awareness of the abuse of older people and deliver presentations and training. Outside of work, I love attending live sporting and music events and also spending valuable time holidaying with my family.

Sarah Scott

Frontline Services Officer

I provide support to callers on the Hourglass helpline. The helpline receives calls from victims, friends and families of victims, and other professionals and agencies who may be referring victims of abuse to Hourglass. My role as front line officer is to answer helpline calls, providing appropriate information, advice, and support to callers, and to write appropriate and accurate responses to written enquiries from service users. It also includes assessing the nature of each call and responding in an empathetic and supportive manner, ensuring callers receive advice and support which is appropriate to their needs in a non-judgmental manner and which clearly identifies realistic and achievable options. Outside of work my hobbies include walking, horse riding, and snowboarding, I like to cook and enjoy films and criminology. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the charity.

Penny Wilby

Community Fundraising Manager

As Community Fundraising Manager, I am responsible for corporate community grants, community fundraising events and the management of our corporate partnerships. My role includes researching potential corporate community grant opportunities, delivering community fundraising events such as Raise a Cup, supporting our runners in the London Landmarks Half Marathon and other challenge events, and working closely with our corporate partners. This involves helping their teams remain engaged and informed about Hourglass, and identifying new corporate partners who want to develop their corporate social responsibility commitments and strengthen their values through partnership with Hourglass. Outside work I enjoying swimming, going to the gym and knitting, although not all three at the same time. My wool would get wet.

Gemma Priestley

Frontline Services Officer

In my role as Frontline Services Officer I manage the online information services on a job share with another colleague. I am the point of contact for instant messages on our instant messenger and text line services that are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I also manage the helpline inbox where we receive email enquiries regarding abuse and neglect. Across these three platforms, I respond to a variety of enquiries and when necessary make referrals to other organisations or adult safeguarding.

Michelle Taylor

HR & Governance Officer

I work part-time as HR & Governance Officer at Hourglass, supporting the charity’s HR administration and governance processes. I also work closely with the Board of Trustees, supporting governance processes and coordinate board and committee activity. Before this role, I worked as Office Support & Stewardship Officer, managing a variety of administrative and operational tasks, including fundraising, gaining hands-on experience of the important work Hourglass does to support older people across the UK. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, walking, reading, trying new recipes and spending time with friends and family.

Joscelyn Grant

Finance & Operations Lead

My role at Hourglass is the Finance & Operations Lead. I am responsible for the day to day management for the organisation’s finances and operational function. I compile the Annual Budget and in conjunction with external auditors, compile the Annual Accounts. I am a member of the FAR & HR & Remuneration Sub-Committees which are held with Trustees quarterly. I work closely with the fundraising team to put together budgets for fundraising applications and produce reports to funders to show how the funds are utilised in line with our funding applications. Outside of Hourglass, I love to travel and visit different places, spend time with my family and friends and enjoy time with my grandchildren. I enjoy the theatre and live music & a good red wine.

Mia Brown

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

In my role as Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), I provide specialist support to older victim-survivors experiencing domestic abuse. My work includes conducting risk assessments, safety planning, and delivering practical and emotional support tailored to individual need. I work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies to support coordinated responses and effective risk management. Alongside frontline casework, I attend multi-agency forums and abuse clinics, and deliver presentations to raise awareness of abuse in later life. I am committed to strengthening multi-agency working and improving responses for older people experiencing harm. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis. I am passionate about ensuring older people’s voices are heard and contributing to the creation of a safer ageing society.

Bethany Vague

Information & Data Officer

As Information and Data Officer, I analyse Hourglass frontline service data to support projects across the charity. This includes lobbying campaigns, fundraising bids, strengthening partnerships, and external communications. I also oversee the Knowledge Bank, where I communicate with external contributors and work with the marketing team to encourage academics and practitioners to share resources about safer ageing. Outside of work, I am based in Cornwall and love going on walks and seeing live music. Please reach out with any data requests/queries and I’m also always open to song recommendations!

Danny Tatlow

Research and Policy Officer

In my role as Research and Policy Officer, I handle the Charity’s research and policy needs. This includes conceptualising, project managing, and developing qualitative and quantitative research projects on a variety of different topics. It also comprises developing, evaluating, and tracking the effectiveness of internal and external policies to protect older people from abuse and proposing methods by which such policies could be improved, including trauma informed working with lived experiences voices and older victim-survivors of abuse. Additionally, It includes drafting policy and research briefings and responding to consultations and legislation, as well as researching robust evidence-based material for submission to Government and other statutory bodies. Finally, through the role, I collaborate with academics and support external research projects, as well as represent the charity at external meetings and working groups, providing advice, guidance, and information to social policy makers, including MPs, civil servants, and third sector representatives.

Molly Mizon

Digital Communications Officer

I am the Digital Communication Officer at Hourglass and I manage our social media platforms, and assist with other digital platforms such as our website. I studied Graphic Design at University; I love typography and generally creating aesthetically pleasing visuals. In my spare time, I am often getting stuck into at-home DIY projects, or sat at my sewing machine creating something new.

Emma Lees-Gray

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

Emma Lees-Gray: In my role as a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), I provide one to one trauma informed casework to support individuals who have experienced domestic abuse. This includes working with victim survivors to complete risk assessments to inform safety planning which is relevant and practical for the circumstances, whilst effectively reducing the risk. I also liaise with other professionals and services to increase awareness of domestic abuse amongst older people, and engage in partnership work for effective wraparound support of the individual. Outside of work, I enjoy supporting my favourite football team, reading and crocheting.

Kirsty Smith

Frontline Services Officer

As a Frontline Services Officer, I am part of a dedicated team who are often the first point of contact for people accessing Hourglass. My role involves providing support through our helpline, online chat, and text services, as well as completing triage assessments and managing my own caseload. I work closely with service users on a regular basis to ensure their individual support needs are met. I also contribute to team discussions and attend external events with local organisations to raise awareness of Hourglass and the vital work we do. Outside of work, I enjoy socialising and spending time with my family.

Ashleigh Green

Frontline Services Officer

I am a member of the Frontline Services team, providing advice, guidance and support to individuals through our online services. I am committed to offering compassionate support and helping people access the services that can assist them.

Peshva Sharif

Volunteer Coordinator

I co ordinate our UK wide volunteer programme, leading recruitment, induction, day to day support and the deployment of volunteers to community events and the helpline. I work with colleagues to embed volunteers within the organisation and promote our volunteer offer, maintain strong engagement and retention within our growing volunteer community, build partnerships across the four nations, representing us within VCO networks, and ensure our approach stays aligned with sector developments and best practice. Outside of work, not a hobby as such however I have a soft spot for all things 80s — the sights, the sounds and the fashion of my formative decade.

Kyra Gonzales

Frontline Services Officer, IDVA/ISVA

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), I work 1-2-1 with older victim/survivors of domestic abuse who have been referred to our service. This can include providing advice and advocacy, completing risk assessments, creating safety plans, and providing emotional and practical support. As a Frontline Services Officer, I reach out to professionals and go out into the community to raise awareness about Hourglass and the abuse of older people. This can be through introductory meetings, pop-ups, training and events. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and going for walks.

Kieran Hughes

Fundraising and Income Generation Lead

My role involves developing and implementing an innovative, multi-channel fundraising strategy for Hourglass. This includes major donors, grants, corporate partnerships, individual giving, legacies and digital fundraising. I also take the lead on researching latest trends and opportunities in fundraising and undertake a rolling programme of research and analysis into sources of funding most likely to support the organisation. Beyond Hourglass I spend my time playing guitar, walking and relaxing with my wife and two daughters. I am also a volunteer coach of the U12 girls football team at St Malachy’s Old Boys Youth FC in Belfast.

Kirsty Judd

IDVA Frontline Services Lead

I am an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and Acting Frontline Lead for the Thames Valley area at Hourglass. In my role, I provide specialist advocacy and support to older victim-survivors of domestic abuse and lead on frontline delivery across the Thames Valley. I work closely with police, local authorities, health services, and voluntary sector partners to improve safeguarding responses, raise awareness of domestic abuse in later life, and strengthen referral pathways for older people. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that abuse in later life is recognised, understood, and responded to effectively, and about amplifying the voices of older victim-survivors within wider domestic abuse and safeguarding systems. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my horses, which I find grounding and restorative.

Elizabeth Fox

Frontline Services Lead (England and Wales)

My name is Elizabeth, my colleagues and friends call me Lizzie. I have worked for Hourglass since 2021. And in that time, I have qualified as an IDVA, ISVA and OPVA. Providing me with a Diploma. I am part of the Leadership team covering all four nations of the United Kingdom. Alongside two other leads, we work together to make sure older people are safeguarded from domestic abuse. I work directly with victim-survivors. Some day-to-day operations see myself being involved in Research and media projects. Hosting training or being a panellist on a webinar. I attend various meetings, conferences and work across a multiagency platform, attending MARAC, DARDR, CPS evaluations and local groups. I represent the voice of the victim survivors of domestic abuse and raise awareness through interventions.

Clare Leonelli

Information Officer Frontline Services

In my role as an information Officer on the hourglass helpline, I provide emotional support, information and guidance to people needing our services. This includes listening with empathy, offering reassurance, and signposting callers to relevant services and support. I first joined Hourglass as a volunteer and spent two years supporting the helpline before moving into a permanent role. I have now been with the charity for seven years in total and I am proud to be part of an organisation that works to support and help older people to ensure they feel safe heard and supported. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three grandchildren.

Chloe Evans

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

I am a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), supporting older people experiencing domestic abuse by providing tailored safety planning, advocacy and emotional support to our clients. In my role I work collaboratively with partners across the statutory and voluntary sectors to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their safety and wellbeing, helping them access the services they need and navigate systems that can feel overwhelming. I’m passionate about making sure people feel heard and supported throughout their journey. Outside of work, I’m a big sports fan and I especially enjoy watching football in my spare time.

Aisling Maguire

Frontline services Officer

I am a Frontline Services Officer for Hourglass, based in Northern Ireland. I joined Hourglass in 2024 and have a bachelor’s degree in Health and Social Care, from Liverpool John Moore’s University. Applying this knowledge to my role working directly with older people, who reach out to Hourglass for support. I provide support to older victims of Domestic Abuse through our helpline, online chat, and text services, as well as completing triage assessments and managing my own caseload. I work closely with service users on a regular basis to ensure their individual support needs are met. Outside of work I love going for cold water swims in tidal pool on Sundays in the Atlantic Ocean. I also enjoy going for walks on the beach, meeting for coffees + pastries with friends and spending time with family.

Daisy Robinson

Digital Design Assistant

In my role as a digital design assistant, I support the charity's design and social media needs. This also includes assisting the digital communications officer and brand and digital development lead, as part of the marketing team. I design posters, social media posts, infographics, update logos and the website. Outside of work, I love gaming and being creative – drawing, painting and print making.

Chantal Smithson

Frontline Services Officer

Within my role as a Frontline Services Officer at Hourglass, I am based within our casework team. I have a caseload of service users who have all experienced domestic abuse of some kind, with many who present with various vulnerability factors and are aged over 60. The support I provide means that I am able to risk assess, safety plan, provide emotional support, look into housing options, consider legal protection orders and liaise with other services to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach if needed and to secure onward support services once they have reached the point of case closure. I also regularly have a shared responsibility with the rest of the team to manage the referral inbox, but also to undertake development work to keep raising awareness of the services we provide, along with the support we can offer to those who may not feel represented within alternative domestic abuse charities in relation to their age. I feel extremely lucky to provide a sense of hope to those who may never thought putting an end to their abusive experiences was even possible, but I am also fortunate to have an amazing, supportive team to work with. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family whilst travelling to new places and gaining new experiences.

Karyn McNiece

Executive Projects Lead

In my role as Executive Projects Lead, I support the CEO and Deputy CEO on the implementation of strategic projects across the entire organisation. These include high-level transformation initiatives such as the installation of a new CRM system and modernising Front Line Services. I am responsible for the development of internal processes and frameworks relating to governance, quality assurance and risk management. I lead on collaboration internally with colleagues and externally with government departments and key stakeholders in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors. I work closely with the Income Generation team which includes developing and utilising a statutory funding roadmap. My role is a part-time, I work on a job share basis with our colleague, Janine Hillen. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my border collie, yoga, and cooking for friends and family.

Poppy Everton

Frontline Services Lead (High Risk Cases)

I have worked for Hourglass since 2021, originally employed by the charity as an expert older people’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). I have dealt with the most serious and high-risk cases of abuse of older people, many of whom have endured domestic abuse from intimate partners, ex-partners, and often their own adult children. I recently moved into a new role as Frontline Services Lead for High-Risk Casework which has come about in direct response to the increase in serious and high-risk cases the charity is dealing with. Prior to my role at Hourglass, I worked as a healthcare assistant in various nursing homes, specialising in dementia care and palliative care. In this capacity, I witnessed first-hand the abuse that older people face. These experiences drove me to pursue a role where I could advocate for those suffering abuse.

Joseph Vardon‑Hynard

External Affairs Lead for England and Wales

Joseph Vardon Hynard is the External Affairs Lead for England and Wales at Hourglass, where he champions the rights and voices of older victim survivors of domestic abuse and neglect. He joined Hourglass following a decade-long stint in Westminster, where he worked for several MPs and Ministers as a researcher, adviser and most recently Chief of Staff. In his role at Hourglass, Joseph leads engagement with policymakers, ensuring the experiences of older adults are represented in legislative and public discourse. He has notably represented Hourglass at Westminster and the Senedd, driving calls for comprehensive and inclusive strategies to address the abuse of older people.

Maggie Evans

Director of Frontline Services

With over 22 years of dedicated service to Hourglass, I serve as the Director of Frontline Services and as a member of the organisation’s Executive Team. I oversee all aspects of our frontline delivery across the UK, ensuring that our Helpline, Casework, and specialist support services provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to older people at risk of or experiencing harm, exploitation and abuse. I bring extensive knowledge of social care provision, having previously worked within a Local Authority delivering domiciliary and residential care. Throughout my career at Hourglass, I have developed specialist expertise in the abuse of older people—its causes, dynamics, and impacts—and I am frequently called upon to advise on complex cases and best practice in safeguarding. I have contributed to national research on the abuse of older people, articles and guidance on safeguarding older people, and provided expert advice to a wide range of statutory and non-statutory organisations responding to cases of abuse. I also regularly participate in Domestic Abuse Related Death review panels, offering specialist insight into the risks, needs and experiences of older victim-survivors.

Veronica Gray

Deputy CEO, Director of Policy

Veronica is the charity’s policy and external affairs strategist. Her vision has helped raise the profile of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people across the UK. As an experienced safeguarding expert she has a reputation for innovative programme development and incisive campaign management. Veronica, who was formerly the Director of the charity in Northern Ireland, is also a seasoned media spokesperson, who worked with the CEO on the rebrand and strategic vision of the charity. She led on the design of the Safer Ageing concept and successful development of Safer Ageing Week.

Richard Robinson

Chief Executive

Richard Robinson became Chief Executive of Hourglass in January 2019. He has worked in the third sector for over 20 years and has experience in education, international development, medical and arts and culture organisations. With early career experience as a journalist, Richard combines a strong knowledge of communications with strategy and business nous as well as spending time as a Director of Fundraising. Most notably, Richard led the Olympic 2012 Charity, The Legacy List and worked to build regeneration and culture programmes across East London. He also spent time in India working with leprosy organisations and led a music industry charity through modernisation and change management challenges. Richard seeks to build profile for charities ‘just under the radar’ and combine this with a strong, visionary business plan with income generation and innovation at its heart.

"Older victims of abuse were locked in and left behind". Hourglass feedback to module 10 (impact on society) of the COVID-19 inquiry roundtable.  

Human ageing is imbedded within social factors, social relationships, and social constructs, and linked to ideas around the wider community and the self; until death happens - everyone grows older and old, but our notions around ageing are steeped in assumptions and stereotypes. 

Overarchingly, Hourglass has a neutral view on the proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. We understand and support the need for older people to be able to make choices regarding their own lives and deaths and have autonomy over decision making in this sphere and any others.

Economic abuse is one of the most common types of abuse in later life. Economic abuse is a crime and should be treated as such. Suffering economic abuse as an older person can have life changing effects, leading to trauma, mental health problems, and even death.

Economic abuse is a crime, and older people are key victims and victim-survivors of such abuse. But this abuse and the costs to the victim, society and the economy are hidden and all too often ignored.

Should victim support services focus solely on the victims of crime? Or can investigating perpetrators of abuse and violence help organisations better support victim-survivors and prevent abuse?

The Hourglass Manifesto outlines the overarching measures which Hourglass believes the governments should adopt in order to create a Safer Ageing Society by 2050.

Economic Abuse is a complex yet common form of exploitation encompassing financial harm, and an abuser or perpetrator restricting a person’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain money or other economic resources.

The original research into this topic in 2021 was inspired by a lady called Valerie Kneale. Valerie passed away in Blackpool Victoria Hospital in November 2018, initially thought to be due to a stroke.

The overarching principle of the charity is that older people experience the same forms of harm and abuse as all other demographics, including financial/economic, physical, sexual and psychological abuse as well as neglect and discrimination. The organisation seeks to protect and support older people at such times of need.

This briefing assesses movements, issues, and legislation in Scotland concerning safer ageing and the protection of older people from all forms of harm, violence, abuse, and neglect. 

Sexual abuse and violence against older victims is underrecognised and underreported. Ageist attitudes about sexuality are barriers to understanding and help-seeking. There is a lack of wider public understanding and awareness.

Abuse and violence against older male victims is underrecognized and underreported. Male specific factors can be barriers to seeking help or support. Lack of health and support services tailored to older male victims. Social isolation and fear of judgment for older male victims of abuse.

The cost of living crisis has concerning implications on the economic and physical wellbeing of older people in the UK.

Around 2.1 million (18%) pensioners in the UK currently live in poverty, and one million of these older people live in severe poverty (below 50% of the median), as well as this, 11% of older people are in “persistent poverty” having spent three years out of any four-year period below the poverty line.

Predatory marriage is a form of economic abuse, wherein marriage is a cover for exploitation and economic gain. It can have a devastating psychological and mental health impact on family members and friends of the victim.

After a year and a half of living through lockdowns, being isolated from families, friends and loved ones, being confined to homes, stark new findings from Hourglass show that older people, at heightened risk from the virus, social isolation and neglect, have been deprioritised by government and beyond.

There is an absence of regular, comprehensive data on violence and abuse of older people in the UK. The response to abuse in older age sits between the domestic abuse response, hate crime monitoring and adult safeguarding, creating a diffuse and conflicting data landscape. 

Older adults face barriers to domestic abuse support services and mental health support services. ‘Ageing well’ has been a guiding principle in relation to older people’s mental health. National data on suicide show a second peak in prevalence in later life. This particularly applies to men over 75.

Public awareness and professional understanding of domestic abuse of older people needs to be improved. Public information campaigns need to reinforce the reality that domestic abuse can aﬀect people of all ages and the risk doesn’t stop when someone reaches 65.

Under present legislation in England, situations may arise where a social worker cannot access an adult at risk to conduct a private interview where there is suspected abuse.

An analysis of Hourglass and Hodge Bank's economic abuse survey.

This research was inspired by a lady called Valerie Kneale. Valerie passed away in Blackpool Hospital in November 2018, initially thought to be due to a stroke. However, a post-mortem examination found Valerie had in fact died from internal haemorrhaging due to severe vaginal injuries.

Criminal justice outcomes for all older victims of crime need to be improved. The current system deters and intimidates older people at all stages of the process, from reporting and investigation through to prosecution and sentencing.

Age should be included as a protected characteristic in hate crime legislation in all four nations of the UK. Such a step is important to keep the topic of abuse and crime towards older people high on the agenda and provide additional protection for victims.

In order to better understand the human voices behind the data, and hear the lived experiences of older people during the pandemic, subsequent lockdowns and periods of restrictions, Hourglass commissioned a UK-wide poll seeking the views of older people.

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.

Physical abuse is any intentional act or behaviour causing injury, trauma or other physical suffering or bodily harm. This includes instances of fabricated or induced illness or causing an older person to become unwell.

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual act or activity perpetrated against an older person. Such acts can include rape or attempted rape, sexual assault, involving an older person in making or viewing sexual imagery against their wishes, indecent exposure, inappropriate sexual harassment, sexual teasing, innuendo, or non-consensual masturbation.  

Neglect occurs when a person deliberately withholds, or fails to provide, suitable and adequate care and support needed by an older person. It may be through a lack of knowledge or awareness, or through a deliberate decision not to act when they know the older person in their care needs help. Neglect can negatively impact the health and well-being of an older person.

Economic abuse is where someone in a position of trust interferes in an older person’s ability to acquire, use or maintain their finances. It is always a crime but not always prosecuted.

Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, is any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

Hourglass Safer Ageing Index is a groundbreaking research project to assess the current state of ageing, examine policy and identify barriers to achieving safer ageing for all older people in Greater London.

Hourglass Cymru's Safer Ageing Index is a groundbreaking research project to assess the current state of ageing, examine policy and identify barriers to achieving safer ageing for all older people in Wales.

Hourglass Northern Ireland's Safer Ageing Index is a groundbreaking research project to assess the current state of ageing, examine policy and identify barriers to achieving safer ageing for all older people in Northern Ireland.

The Safer Ageing Index for England, which suggests significant issues in the South West and North of England, underlines that addressing the needs and challenges faced by the growing population of older adults is crucial in creating a Safer Ageing Society. This includes providing adequate housing options, healthcare services, social support, and combating social isolation to ensure a better quality of life for older people across England.

The idea of safe houses and housing support to assist those experiencing domestic abuse in the UK was first developed in the 1970s. At the time, domestic abuse was still a hidden form of harm dealt with behind closed doors, martial rape was legal, and support services were almost non-existent.

The continued public health restrictions and lockdowns introduced to combat COVID-19 pose an acute threat to older people by undermining human rights and exacerbating their risk of abuse.

Every year, more than a million older people are physically, emotionally, financially or sexually abused in the UK. This is a truly damning indictment of how our society views and values older people.

Meet The Team

The Hourglass Team

Hourglass

Marketing

Colyn Cranney

Brand and Digital Development Lead

Brian Johnston

Safeguarding Training and Development Lead

Janine Hillen

Executive Projects Lead

Millie Robinson

Frontline Services Officer

Colin Scott

Frontline Services Lead (Scotland and Northern Ireland)

Kiera Koroma

Frontline Services Officer

Richard Gaston

Trust Fundraising Officer

Sean Quinn

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

Sarah Scott

Frontline Services Officer

Penny Wilby

Community Fundraising Manager

Gemma Priestley

Frontline Services Officer

Michelle Taylor

HR & Governance Officer

Joscelyn Grant

Finance & Operations Lead

Mia Brown

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

Bethany Vague

Information & Data Officer

Danny Tatlow

Research and Policy Officer

Molly Mizon

Digital Communications Officer

Emma Lees-Gray

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

Kirsty Smith

Frontline Services Officer

Ashleigh Green

Frontline Services Officer

Peshva Sharif

Volunteer Coordinator

Kyra Gonzales

Frontline Services Officer, IDVA/ISVA

Kieran Hughes

Fundraising and Income Generation Lead

Kirsty Judd

IDVA Frontline Services Lead

Elizabeth Fox

Frontline Services Lead (England and Wales)

Clare Leonelli

Information Officer Frontline Services

Chloe Evans

Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)

Aisling Maguire

Frontline services Officer

Daisy Robinson

Digital Design Assistant

Chantal Smithson

Frontline Services Officer

Karyn McNiece

Executive Projects Lead

Poppy Everton

Frontline Services Lead (High Risk Cases)

Joseph Vardon‑Hynard

External Affairs Lead for England and Wales

Maggie Evans

Director of Frontline Services

Veronica Gray

Deputy CEO, Director of Policy

Richard Robinson

Chief Executive

UK Covid Inquiry: Hourglass Feedback

Ageism: Paving the Way for Abuse and Violence

Hourglass' View on the End of Life Bill

Policy, Practice and the Law

Joseph Vardon‑Hynard