24-Hour Helpline
(920) 729-5727
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
P.O. Box 99
Neenah, WI 54957-0099
Phone: (920) 235-5998
Fax: (920) 729-0690
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: DV and Older Adults
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Menasha, WI, October 29, 2007 -- Domestic abuse can happen to individuals of all ages. Although in general, domestic violence awareness is steadily increasing, in the case of abuse of older adults, it is a problem that still largely remains hidden. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of domestic abuse each year.
An estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of domestic abuse each year
Abuse of older adults can best be described as the ill-treatment of older individuals by others in a position of trust or responsibility for their care. The abuse is most commonly grouped in four categories:
- Physical abuse - involves inflicting physical discomfort, pain or injury
- Psychological abuse - lessens the identity, dignity and self-worth of the older person.
- Financial abuse - involves the misuse of money or property.
- Neglect - the failure of a caregiver to meet the needs of an older adult who is unable to meet those needs alone.
So who is the perpetrator? According to the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study, conducted by the National Center on Elder Abuse, the perpetrator in almost 90% of older adult abuse cases is a family member. Two-thirds are adult children or spouses.
Information from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows that although the following are common tactics used by abusive family members, they are just some of the abusive behaviors older victims might suffer. Often, abusers will use combinations of various behaviors.
- Threatens to leave, divorce, commit suicide or institutionalize the victim
- Slaps, hits, punches, burns, chokes and throws things
- Is rough with intimate body parts during care giving
- Takes walker, wheelchair, glasses, dentures
- Ignores or ridicules religious and/or cultural traditions
- Humiliates, demeans and/or ridicules
- Misleads other family members about extent and nature of illnesses and/or conditions
- Controls what victim does, who victim sees and where victim goes
- Treats you like a servant
- Steals money, titles or possessions
Locally, in 2006, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services served 14 non-resident victims who were 60 years old or more. To date in 2007, the agency has served 12 non-resident victims and has provided shelter to 3 victims over age 60. The majority suffered financial abuse at the hands of a family member.
Christine Ann offers a variety of services to those experiencing abuse by a family member or caregiver. Services include emergency shelter, individual advocacy and support groups, 24-Hour Helpline, referrals to community agencies and resources, and assistance with housing options. Legal advocacy is available, including assistance with restraining orders and accompaniment to legal proceedings. These services are available to all persons experiencing abuse in Winnebago and Green Lake Counties
If you suspect abuse of an older adult, please call (920)-235-5998 or (920)-729-6395.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services' mission is to prevent domestic abuse and violence and to provide intervention and safety to all individuals affected by domestic violence. In addition to emergency shelter, the agency provides comprehensive programs and services in Winnebago and Green Lake Counties.
Contact:
Julie Fevola
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
(920) 729-5727
www.christineann.net
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