Older adults and criminal justice outcomes

Do older adults experience the criminal justice system differently? Research and reviews suggest the answer is yes — and the reasons are rarely visible on the surface. Policy, guidance, and legislation all point toward equality, protection, and access to justice. But practice tells a more complex story. In this week's episode we discuss: Why criminal prosecutions involving older victims remain comparatively low, and what that tells us about how the system responds. How abuse in later life is frequently reframed as a safeguarding issue rather than recognised as a crime. The tendency to view older people primarily as vulnerable and how this quietly shapes decision-making in ways that are rarely explicit. The critical questions that reviews must ask to ensure age does not become a silent barrier to justice.   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews which could potentially improve the lives of vulnerable people? SILP School begins this week. For an assessment of your eligibility click here.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP