The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Are You in an Abusive Relationship?
During October we remember the victims of domestic violence and raise awareness that will hopefully lead to the prevention of violence against both men and women. Each year men and women fall victim to this crime.
The Women’s Health Data Book Report — Violence Against Women indicated that more than 2.5 million females experience some form of violence each year. Unknown is that each year there are 835,000 REPORTED cases of domestic violence against men. Domestic violence knows no age, race, or economic limits. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs reported that between July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012 1,302 women age 60 and above were served in Florida’s domestic violence programs. 175 were served in shelters during this past fiscal year.
The National Center on Elder Abuse predicts that as baby boomers age it is “likely more victims of late life violence and abuse will seek out or be referred to the specialized services provided by domestic violence programs”.
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life explains that Domestic violence in later life occurs “when older individuals are physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, exploited, or neglected by someone [with whom] they have an ongoing relationship. . . . Abusers intentionally use coercive tactics, such as isolation, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and violence to gain and maintain control over the victim”
Economic hard times can lead to an increase in cases of domestic abuse. The
The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse explains that when abuse begins or is exacerbated in old age, it is likely to be linked to:
• Retirement
• Disability
• Changing roles of family members
• Sexual changes
We need to stop the epidemic of domestic violence and elder abuse.
Indicators of Abuse
Does your partner:
• ___Call you names? / Constantly criticize you?
• ___Put down your accomplishments or goals?
• ___Try to control you?
• ___Threaten you? / Make you feel afraid?
• ___Hit, push, or slap you?
• ___Call you several times a night or show up where you are to keep track of you?
• ___Use drugs or alcohol as an excuse for hurting you?
• ___Blame you for their behavior?
• ___Make you feel there is no way out of your relationship?
• ___During fights do they say things like they are “trying to teach you a lesson”?
• ___Threaten to hurt your child or pet?
• ___Forbid you to work
• ___Take your keys, or damage your car.
• ___Takes or destroys personal property or sentimental items?
Do you:
• ___Feel scared of your partner?
• ___Make excuses to yourself and those around you?
• ___Believe that your partner will change if you were better?
• ___Always do what your partner wants without thinking of yourself?
• ___Stay with your partner because you are afraid of what might happen to you?
If you feel you are a victim of abuse contact the
The Florida Abuse Hotline at 1.800.96.ABUSE
If you feel your life is threatened call 911.
For more information contact:
• Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse
800.355.8547 / www.avdaonline.org
• Palm Beach County Domestic Violence Svc
866.891.7273 / TYY 561.355.1772
• Palm Beach Division of Victim’s Services
561.355.2418
• Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119 / www.fcadv.org
• The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
www.preventelderabuse.orgDomesti
