PREVENTING ELDER ABUSE

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT ELDER ABUSE

Pasadena Village partners with local agencies to combat elder abuse

Recent attacks on seniors in Pasadena, and the national prevalence of racial violence against those in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, have raised awareness of violence and abuse of older adults, but left many local residents feeling unsure how to help.

In April, Pasadena Village partnered with Bet Tzedek Justice for Seniors to offer a free interactive presentation on preventing elder abuse.  Bet Tzedek is the nationally recognized leader in providing legal services to low-income seniors. They help improve the safety and quality of life for older or disabled adults and their families.  They can be reached at their website: https://www.bettzedek.org/our-services/justiceforseniors/

During the presentation, we learned that elder abuse can involve financial, physical, or emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment, isolation, or abduction. Often, the abuse builds over time, with a small incident followed by another until the older adult suddenly finds themselves trapped.  Unfortunately, relatives and trusted acquaintances are often the perpetrator.  We also learned that elder abuse happens at all levels of economic status.

In addition to Bet Tzedek, we have right here in our community the nonprofit Foothill Family agency which has an Elder Abuse Treatment and Support Program that offers free crisis intervention, counseling and therapy, case management, and other support for victims. Call Victim Service Coordinator Aurora Duran at 626-993-3000, ext 5050 for information in both English and Spanish.

Pasadena Village urges those who are aware of older adults who may be victims not to be silent. “It takes our entire community to combat elder abuse, and be advocates for those who have been victimized,” says Pasadena Village Executive Director Katie Brandon, “The more awareness we have of the resources available in the community, the more we can all help.”

To view the presentation Click here