Some professionals think violence only affects younger women

The elderly are being let down by professionals because of a belief that domestic violence only affects the under-60s, Help the Aged's study found.

This meant health workers often assumed injuries were down to falls and reports of physical violence were dismissed.

A spokeswoman for the charity said a "huge wall of ignorance" had been created round the issue.

They are less likely to believe themselves a victim, let alone report such violence Kate Jopling, Help the Aged

The report Older Women and Domestic Violence, also backed by housing development agency Hact, blames a lack of training for health care workers' failure to recognise older victims.

Kate Jopling, of Help the Aged, said: "Older women have grown up in a culture when domestic violence was not even considered a crime.

"Therefore they are less likely to believe themselves a victim, let alone report such violence.

"This is coupled with stereotypical views that older women do not have intimate relationships, and that older men are rarely a serious threat."

New models

The report found that when older women did tell health care workers about an incident of violence, it was often dismissed as dementia or confusion.

Physical injuries were put down to falls or clumsiness.

The study recommends more research into the problem and increased training for professionals.

Heather Petch, director of Hact, said: "Service provision and commissioning is failing older women who have experienced domestic violence - this must change.

"New models need to be adopted and services expanded."

A 24-hour national domestic violence helpline is available on freephone 0808 2000 247.