Let's Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 5: Speaking and Dealing with Victims of Elder Abuse

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ARE ASSAULTED

During an assault, if it is possible to escape, yell, resist or protest, do so. In most cases, this is not possible. The essential goal is to survive. Cooperate with the perpetrator to reduce the danger of increased physical violence.

During the assault, try to focus on noticing everything possible. The location, identity of the perpetrator, anything he says, what he does, any smells, sounds, sights. This is your power. Notice and remember all you can. Your power lies AFTER the assault.

AFTERWARDS
1. As soon as possible, tell a person who can and will help you contact the police.
2. Do not shower, clean up or change clothes.
3. Make sure the police are called immediately.
4. Tell your story to the police when they meet with you. Tell them all that you noticed during the assault, and how you felt. The police often provide a specialist who is sensitive to your situation and experienced at questioning and supporting victims, when available.
5. Be proud of yourself for doing all that is possible in such circumstances.
6. Get a referral to seek counseling

Read All of the Columns from the Lets Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 Series

Lets Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 1: Editors Note

Lets Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 2: Systems Currently in Place

Lets Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 3: Service Gaps on the Ground and CARP Recommendations

Lets Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 4: Tips and Ressources that May Save Your Life

Acknowledgement of Sources

Ramsey-Klawsnik, Holly.Interviewing Elders for Suspected Sexual Abuse: Guideline and Techniques. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect. 5(1): 5-18. 1993.
Florida Council Against Vio- lence: http://www.fcasv.org/2005_Web/Elderlawtrain.htm

Burgess, A. (2006). Elderly Sexual Abuse Victims and their Offenders, Final Report. US Depart- ment of Justice. Retrieved on April 28, 2008 from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/ grants/216550.pdf.

Delagammatikas, L. (2006). Proposal: Providing advanced training regarding the sexual abuse of vulnerable adults to Adult Protective Workers. Unpublished paper. San Diego State.

Fact sheet prepared by Julie Riley-Harrison, Adult Protective Services Training Project Intern with edit and design assistance from Krista Brown, APS Training Project Coordinator. The APS Training Project is a program of the Bay Area Academy/San Francisco State University. ©July 2008. For more information about the APS Training Project, please visit www.baa-aps.org.

ElderAbuse Listserv from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) for the latest news stories highlighting elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect. http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/ Resources/NCEA_Listserve/ How_to_Subscribe.aspx

VIDEO: VICTIMS WITH DISABILITIES: THE FORENSIC IN- TERVIEW, Executive Producer, Nora J. Baladerian, Ph.D. Available from U.S. Department of Justice, NCJRS. Includes Training Guide and references.

Elder Safety Card Rev 06.doc © Baladerian 1995

Abuse and Neglect of Adults with Developmental Disabilities:A Public Health Priority for the State of California: A report of: Protection and Advocacy, Inc. State Council on Developmental Disabilities USC University Affiliated Program The Tarjan Center for Developmental Disabilities, UCLA August 2003 PAI Publication #7019.01