Sadly, throughout the country, older victims are physically, sexually and emotionally abused by someone they trust and love. Often the abuser is a spouse or partner, adult child or family member, or caregiver.
In cases of domestic abuse in later life, the victim has a trusted, ongoing relationship with the perpetrator. The abusers use a pattern of coercive tactics (such as isolation, withholding/misusing medications, food or sleep) to get their way. Batterers often feel they are entitled to control the household and make all the rules. They will be cruel, manipulative and abusive to family members who don't do what they want.
Why do they stay?
"Elderly victims may be more dependent on the batterer for care and may fear being placed in a nursing home if they leave the batterer...Physical challenges or disabilities may make it more difficult for the victim to access services and can also compound feelings of isolation..." --American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence
For information on elderly abuse and how to help, call (303) 494-1682 and talk with Ms. Bonnie Brandi. Ms. Brandi is a Program Coordinator for the National Center on Elder Abuse.
God bless you,
Janis Erickson The Refuge Ministry Jeremiah 29:11
| Title | Published |
| Journey to Wholeness | 08-16-04 |
| Are You One of the Three? | 06-06-04 |
| Why Do Women Stay? | 04-10-04 |
| The Effect of Domestic Violence on Children | 02-01-04 |
| Elderly Abuse | 01-01-04 |
| The Heart of a Battered Woman | 12-31-03 |
| October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. | 10-02-03 |
| A Program to End Violence and Control | |
| You Have a Right to Be Safe | |
| About the Refuge Ministry | |
| Some Characteristics That Might Identify A Potential Batterer |
Either You Are, Or You Aren't a Renaissance Woman!
A renaissance woman is someone who sets her own agenda for personal achievement and will not allow herself to be manipulated or intimidated by self-proclaimed spokesmen who try and wrap their political philosophies around terms like "equality," "choice," "peace," "tolerance" and "diversity." She understands that she has been created for such a time as this and embraces her destiny as a challenge and not a curse, no matter what her personal circumstances. She is a winner not a whiner, a leader not a follower, a victor, not a victim. She wants to change the paradigm of the feminist movement that has served to marginalize and ridicule women who do not follow their collective agenda.
Millions of women around the country, from all professions, backgrounds and cultures, are courageously picking up the mantel of leadership and virtue, that the feminist movement has squandered. They are providing thoughtful and accurate analysis, on a variety of issues, of where, and who we are as a nation.
Remember, this is not a club. It is a mindset!
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