The Savvy Senior
\nBy Robert Goodman, MSW
\nAre You in an Abusive Relationship?
\nDuring 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.
\nThe 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\u2019s domestic violence programs. 175 were served in shelters during this past fiscal year.
\nThe National Center on Elder Abuse predicts that as baby boomers age it is \u201clikely more victims of late life violence and abuse will seek out or be referred to the specialized services provided by domestic violence programs\u201d.
\nNational Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life explains that Domestic violence in later life occurs \u201cwhen 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\u201d
\nEconomic hard times can lead to an increase in cases of domestic abuse. The
\nThe 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:
\n\u2022\tRetirement
\n\u2022\tDisability
\n\u2022\tChanging roles of family members
\n\u2022\tSexual changes
\nWe need to stop the epidemic of domestic violence and elder abuse.
\nIndicators of Abuse
\nDoes your partner:
\n\u2022\t___Call you names? \/ Constantly criticize you?
\n\u2022\t___Put down your accomplishments or goals?
\n\u2022\t___Try to control you?
\n\u2022\t___Threaten you? \/ Make you feel afraid?
\n\u2022\t___Hit, push, or slap you?
\n\u2022\t___Call you several times a night or show up where you \tare to keep track \tof you?
\n\u2022\t___Use drugs or alcohol as an excuse for hurting you?
\n\u2022\t___Blame you for their behavior?
\n\u2022\t___Make you feel there is no way out of your relationship?
\n\u2022\t___During fights do they say things like they are \u201ctrying to teach you a lesson\u201d?
\n\u2022\t___Threaten to hurt your child or pet?
\n\u2022\t___Forbid you to work
\n\u2022\t___Take your keys, or damage your car.
\n\u2022\t___Takes or destroys personal property or sentimental items?
\nDo you:
\n\u2022\t___Feel scared of your partner?
\n\u2022\t___Make excuses to yourself and those around you?
\n\u2022\t___Believe that your partner will change if you were better?
\n\u2022\t___Always do what your partner wants without thinking of yourself?
\n\u2022\t___Stay with your partner because you are afraid of what might happen to \tyou?
\nIf you feel you are a victim of abuse contact the
\nThe Florida Abuse Hotline at 1.800.96.ABUSE
\nIf you feel your life is threatened call 911.
\nFor more information contact:
\n\u2022\tAid to Victims of Domestic Abuse
\n800.355.8547 \/ www.avdaonline.org
\n\u2022\tPalm Beach County Domestic Violence Svc
\n866.891.7273 \/ TYY 561.355.1772
\n\u2022\tPalm Beach Division of Victim’s Services
\n561.355.2418
\n\u2022\tFlorida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
\nDomestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119 \/ www.fcadv.org
\n\u2022\tThe National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
\nwww.preventelderabuse.orgDomesti<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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