Introduction

NCALL defines victims/survivors of abuse in later life as women and men age 50 and older who have been harmed by someone with whom they have an ongoing relationship with an expectation of trust (e.g., spouse, partner, adult child, family member, or caregiver).  The forms of abuse can include a variety of tactics, including, but not limited to: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, intimidation, coercion, stalking, and dating violence.

Spouses, partners, adult children, other family members, and caregivers hurt older people every day in our communities.  Often these victims do not know where to turn for help.  Professionals and family members may not know what services are available to help older people they care about.  Following is a list of agencies to consider when you or someone you know is in need of help.

Domestic violence programs—generally offer emergency housing, 24-hour help lines, support groups, peer counseling, legal and other systems advocacy, safety planning, and community education.

Sexual assault programs—generally offer counseling, health care advocacy, court accompaniment, support groups, 24-hour help lines, and community education.

Adult protective services/elder abuse (APS) agencies—generallyinvestigate allegations of abuse/neglect and exploitation, and provide case management, monitoring, and evaluation.  Staff may also provide or arrange for provision of medical, social, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, or other protective, emergency, or supportive services. 

Aging services—often can provide transportation, chore services, respite care, recreational services, financial planning, information and referral, support groups, meal services, and housing for older victims. 

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen—are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities.  Ombudsmen provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care.

Many of the services listed above are helpful for older victims of domestic and sexual abuse in later life.  However, this directory’s purpose is to highlight the many agencies throughout the country which have created specialized services designed specifically for older victims of domestic and sexual abuse in later life.  Most domestic violence and sexual assault programs throughout the United States will not turn away older victims.  However, only organizations with specialized services are included in this directory.  Likewise, APS, elder abuse, aging network, and ombudsman programs often serve older victims of abuse.  However, if the services were not designed specifically for domestic and sexual abuse in later life, these programs were not included in the specialized services section.