Aberystwyth University’s Dewis Choice Project Wins UK Parliament Award for Supporting Older Domestic Abuse Victims

Aberystwyth University’s Dewis Choice Project Wins UK Parliament Award for Supporting Older Domestic Abuse Victims

Overview of the Award and Its Significance

On 19 December 2025, the Dewis Choice initiative, a research‑led project based at Aberystwyth University’s Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice, received a prestigious award at the House of Lords. The accolade, presented during the National Alliance of Women’s Organisations’ 16 Days of Activism Awards on Human Rights Day, recognised the project’s dual focus on direct service delivery and pioneering research into domestic abuse among older adults.

While the award ceremony celebrated a wide range of organisations working to end violence against women and girls, the Dewis Choice project stood out for its specialised attention to a demographic that is often overlooked in domestic‑abuse policy: older victims. By combining longitudinal study with co‑produced support, the team has created a model that can inform both practice and legislation across the UK and beyond.

What Is the Dewis Choice Project?

The Dewis Choice project is a multidisciplinary effort that brings together social scientists, clinicians, legal experts and community volunteers. Its core mission is to empower older adults who have experienced domestic abuse to make informed decisions about safety, justice and recovery. The project operates on three pillars:

  • Direct Support – One‑to‑one counselling, safety planning and advocacy for older victim‑survivors.
  • Ground‑breaking Research – A long‑term study that tracks decision‑making processes, outcomes and barriers faced by older adults in the justice system.
  • Policy Influence – Translating findings into recommendations for national policy, training programmes and public awareness campaigns.

In 2024, the team published a guide addressing the rise of digital abuse, such as the use of smart doorbells and mobile devices to monitor or harass older victims. The guide equips professionals and survivors with practical strategies to counter technology‑based threats.

Impact on Older Victims of Domestic Abuse

Older adults face unique challenges when confronting domestic abuse. Age‑related health issues, social isolation, and a perception that they are “too old” to seek help can delay intervention. Dewis Choice tackles these barriers by:

  • Providing a client‑led, informed choice framework that respects the autonomy of older survivors.
  • Ensuring that support is tailored to diverse identities, including gender, sexuality and disability.
  • Offering a safe space for older adults to discuss safety, legal options and restorative justice without fear of ageism.

Early results from the project’s longitudinal study show a measurable increase in the number of older victims who pursue legal action, report incidents to authorities, and engage in community support groups. These outcomes demonstrate that when older adults receive specialised, evidence‑based support, they are more likely to break the cycle of abuse.

Digital Abuse: A Growing Threat and Dewis Choice’s Response

Digital abuse has become a pervasive tool for abusers, especially in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Older victims are particularly vulnerable because they may be less familiar with technology or may rely on devices that can be monitored. Dewis Choice’s guide offers:

  • Practical steps to secure smart devices and personal data.
  • Training for support workers on recognising digital abuse indicators.
  • Collaborations with tech companies to improve privacy safeguards for older users.

Research Meets Practice: How the Project Shapes Policy

The Dewis Choice team’s research is not confined to academic journals. Findings are actively fed into policy discussions at local, national and international levels. For example, the project’s data on the prevalence of digital abuse among older adults has been cited in recent UK Parliament debates, influencing the drafting of new legislation that protects vulnerable populations from technology‑based harassment.

Moreover, the project’s co‑produced interventions—developed in partnership with older survivors—serve as a blueprint for other institutions seeking to create age‑inclusive domestic‑abuse services. By publishing open‑access resources, the team ensures that best practices are widely available to practitioners, policymakers and researchers alike.

How You Can Get Involved or Support the Cause

There are several ways to contribute to the mission of the Dewis Choice project and the broader fight against domestic abuse:

  • Volunteer – Offer your time as a counsellor, legal advocate or community liaison. Contact Aberystwyth University’s research office for opportunities.
  • Donate – Financial contributions help fund research grants, support services and outreach programmes. Visit the Dewis Choice donation page to make a contribution.
  • Advocate – Raise awareness in your local community, workplace or online networks. Share the project’s guide on digital abuse to help older adults protect themselves.
  • Collaborate – If you work in a related field—social work, law, technology—consider partnering with the project to co‑create new interventions or research studies.

By engaging with the Dewis Choice project, you help ensure that older victims of domestic abuse receive the support, respect and justice they deserve.

Looking Ahead: Future Directions for Dewis Choice

As the project moves forward, the team plans to expand its reach in several key areas:

  • Scaling the support model to other regions in the UK and internationally.
  • Developing a digital platform that offers real‑time safety planning tools for older adults.
  • Conducting comparative studies to understand how cultural factors influence older victims’ experiences.
  • Advocating for policy reforms that mandate age‑inclusive training for domestic‑abuse professionals.

These initiatives will build on the award’s momentum, reinforcing the project’s role as a leader in domestic‑abuse research and practice.

Conclusion: A Milestone for Older Victims and the Wider Community

The award at the House of Lords is more than a ceremonial honour; it is a validation of the Dewis Choice project’s comprehensive approach to supporting older domestic‑abuse victims. By combining direct service, rigorous research and policy advocacy, the project sets a new standard for how universities can contribute to social justice.

Aberystwyth University’s commitment to age, gender and social justice demonstrates that academic institutions can be powerful agents of change. The recognition also highlights the urgent need for continued focus on older victims—a group that remains under‑represented in domestic‑abuse discourse.

For those interested in learning more, exploring support options, or contributing to this vital work, the following resources are available:

By staying informed and engaged, you can help ensure that older adults who have suffered domestic abuse receive the support and justice they need.

Call to Action: Donate now to support research and services for older domestic‑abuse victims.

Call to Action: Volunteer with the Dewis Choice team and make a direct impact.

Call to Action: Download the digital abuse guide and share it with your community.

Call to Action: Contact Aberystwyth University to learn how you can collaborate or support the project.

Call to Action: Read related articles to deepen your understanding of domestic abuse among older adults.