For Immediate Release: 5.7.08

Naples, FL – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is joining a national effort bringing attention to issues affecting seniors, including elder abuse, this May as part of Older Americans Month 2008 Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, starting in 2011 some 78 million Americans will begin the retirement process launching an expansion that will continue for decades.

“May, as Older Americans Month, is a wonderful time to celebrate what our seniors offer society,” explains Shelter Elder Abuse Advocate Vickijo Letchworth. “But for the Shelter, it’s also a time to raise awareness about the realities of elder abuse, mis-treatment and neglect by spouses/partners, healthcare professionals and/or adult children.”

According to the World Health Organization, a US survey revealed that 36% of nursing home staff report having witnessed at least one incident of elder physical abuse in the past year. Moreover, 40% noted that they psychologically abused patients themselves. 1

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse: 2

• Only 1 in 14 incidents of elder abuse in domestic settings, excluding self-neglect, come to the attention of authorities
• There may be at least 5 million cases of financial abuse of elders in America each year

For elders, intimate partner violence and abuse can include physical, financial, psychological, sexual and verbal abuse, or a combination of these abuses. Tragically, societal norms, stereotypes and stigmas, as well as health issues, such as declining physical or mental capabilities, play a heavy role in how victims are both perceived and treated if they do disclose the abuse or neglect.

Through its innovative Elder Abused Response program, the Shelter is already targeting assisted living facilities, healthcare providers, sister organizations (Avow Hospice, Collier County Sheriff’s Senior Crime Assistance Unit, etc.) and community groups to provide life-saving information to elders, as well as those who care for them, in an effort to end the violence.

“We hope that throughout May, individuals, families and healthcare providers will closely examine how they interact with the elders in their homes, neighborhoods and communities – if you believe someone is being abused or neglected, contact the Shelter or Collier County Sheriff’s Office Senior Crime Assistance Unit,” continues Letchworth. “Only by working together can we change public perception, create understanding, stop the violence and ensure our wisest generation has the resources needed to enjoy their golden years.”

The Shelter’s Elder Abuse Response program is funded by the Brookdale Foundation Group/Ramapo Trust of New York. For more information on the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, including programs and services, please call 239-775-3862, or visit www.naplesshelter.org

1 World Health Organization: www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention; 2 Fact Sheet: National Center on Elder Abuse, various studies complied at http://www.elderabusecenter.org/pdf/publication/FinalStatistics050331.pdf

Love isn’t black & blue… if you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship please call the Shelter for Abused Women & Children’s 24-hour crisis hotline: 239-775-1101. For more information, visit us online at www.naplesshelter.org

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The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helps adult and child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention and support; educates the public about domestic violence; and advocates for social change against domestic violence. For more information, please contact us at 239-775-3862, or visit us online at: www.naplesshelter.org

Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211