What to do about possible physical abuse, if anything

[Wordau]

NCed for this.

My elderly mother (in her early 80s) was, I believe, pushed over by my dad during an argument, and fell backwards, hard, hitting her head on a hard tiled surface as a result, requiring a trip to A&E.

The relationship is generally not healthy with a history of emotional / verbal and occasional physical abuse - possibly also sexual abuse - many years ago.

No witnesses. They will deny to police I'm sure. They will have told hospital she "fell".

I'm worried if I talk to my dad it will make things worse. I don't live nearby to keep an eye on things and my mother is dependent on my father for various things (financial and practical). I have siblings, one of whom is more local. I've not told them anything.

Tell social services your thoughts.

SS here seems to be only for children

Bump

What do you mean?

SS are for vulnerable adults as well as for children. As an elderly person your mum counts as vulnerable.

They may be understaffed nd overstretched in the adult division, which is a different story. There is a huge shortage of SWers at present.

Have a Google for "multi agency safeguarding hub in (your area)". There should be a phone number to ring to report a safeguarding concern.

If you can't find that number, contact her GP surgery and tell them. They have a professional obligation to act on safeguarding concerns.

Ok thanks, when I googled it I could only find results in their area relevant to children but I will search that term.

I wonder if perhaps my dad is having some brain issues - what would make someone become violent? They had had physical fights in the past (throwing things at each other, rather than punching etc) and he remains somewhat aggressive but hasn't had a physical altercation with my mum for well over 30 years, to my knowledge.

You can report to Social services Adult Safeguarding. You could also call Age UK for further advice.

@Wordau
Regards your father, having an infection such as a UTI, can make elderly people aggressive, as can dementia. I don't suppose you get get him t9 see his GP?