The forgotten victims of domestic violence
By Jennifer Drummond CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seniors in domestic abuse situations face different challenges than their younger counterparts.

When most people think of domestic violence, the victim they envision is rarely a grandmother or grandfather. But domestic violence isn't just a younger person's issue - it also happens in the senior population.

"It's a little bit of a forgotten population," explained Becky Lee, co-chair of the Chesterfield County Domestic Violence Task Force and interim executive director for the YWCA in Richmond.

"[Older adults] have different needs than younger individuals," said Lee. While both age groups require basic safety, legal advocacy and case management, services that help victims gain independence or become self-sustainable may not make sense for the elder population.

"Often their age and circumstances mean they are more likely to require more intensive health/medical support. They may not have access to any personal resources with which to live independently [perhaps because they are being denied by the abuser or just simply not available]," explained Lee.

Senior victims of domestic violence are usually women, but men are also sometimes impacted. The perpetrator's intent is the same regardless of the victim's age: to exert power and control over another individual.

According to the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), there were a total 13,515 reports of adult abuse in the commonwealth over a three-year period from 2005 to 2007. The report cited 68 percent of the victims were 60 years or older and 32 percent were incapacitated adults ages 18-59. More reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation came from relatives than any other group, and over half occurred in the adult's own house or apartment.

According to DSS, physical signs of abuse include dehydration or malnutrition, broken bones or bruises, or pain from touching, just to name a few. Psychological signs and behaviors, including depression, lack of communication, isolation or anger, are also common.

Local training

The task force recently presented a 90- minute, free training session to educate health providers, court officials, social services workers and others on how to spot and deal with domestic violence in the senior population. The task force represents about 35 community partners, ranging from health and social services departments to the faith community.

The primary goal of the training was to increase the participants' level of awareness and understanding of the issue. "They will know who to call and what kind of services to direct people to," Lee said.

"I think for my position, it is the networking piece, the getting allied health professionals together, to help them do their job better," said Lisa Furr, coordinator for the Central Virginia Task Force on Domestic Violence in Later Life.

"Abuse can happen at any age," continued Furr, who facilitated the training. "Domestic and sexual violence affects people of all races, ages and socioeconomic groups. There is help out there."

For more information on the training or about the Chesterfield County Domestic Violence Task Force, call Patricia Jones-Turner at 706-1272.

Where to go for help YWCA Women's Advocacy Program Chesterfield 796-3066 24 hours/7 days shelter (hotline only) Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 838-8238 Off ers information and/or referrals statewide National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 Chesterfield County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center Victim Services Courtney O'Hara, 706-1267 Daniel Bunn - Spanish Outreach Worker, 706-1281 Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Alliance Information 377-0335 Statewide Hotline (800) 838-8238 Chesterfield Adult Protective Services Department of Social Services 748-1100, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. After hours, on weekends or holidays, call (888) 832-3858.