Those that would pass the
latter part of life with honor
and integrity must, when
young, consider that they
shall one day be old; and
remember, when old, that
they have once been young.
Anon
AGEISM and
ABUSE IN LATER LIFE
Sexual Assault
Char Thompson
Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later Life
Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later
Life
The mission of MNALL is to provide
community and statewide training and
education on intervention, prevention
and systems change in sexual/domestic
abuse in later life.
MNALL is a membership organization made up of
organizations and individuals who are committed to
our mission
Definition: Elder Abuse
Acts or failure to act by persons
required to act resulting in harm to an
elder or frail or vulnerable adult which
may or may not be criminal.
National Center on Elder Abuse
Definition: Domestic
Abuse in Later Life
A pattern of assaultive and coercive
behaviors, including physical, sexual,
psychological, emotional and financial
used against a victim by a spouse,
partner, family member or person
in a trusting relationship.
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life
Late Life Abuse
Includes, but is not limited to:
Physical
Sexual
Emotional Abuse
Psychological Abuse
Financial Exploitation
Isolation
Threats
Ridicule and…………….
Definition: Sexual Abuse in
Later Life
Coercing an older person through force,
trickery, threats or other means into
unwanted sexual activity. It includes
sexual contact with elders who are
unable to grant consent, and sexual
contact between service providers and
their elder clients. PCAR 2004
Late Life Sexual Abuse ….
Forced viewing of pornography
Coerced nudity and sexually explicit
photographing
Oral-genital contact/digital penetration
Vaginal rape/anal rape
Rape by objects, attacking the victim’s
genitals with blows or weapons
Any action believed to be a sexual act by the
victim. PCAR 2004
Definition: Consent
Consent means positive cooperation in
act, or an attitude pursuant to an
exercise of free will.
The person must act freely and
voluntarily and have knowledge of the
nature of the act or transaction
involved.
PCAR 2004
Definition: Ageism
Any form of prejudice or
stereotyping based on
age.
Ageism by the non-elderly is unique in that it is
directed toward a group to which, barring early
death,
the perpetrators will one day belong!
!
Ageism exists precisely because elderly people
represent our future in which death is certain,
physical deterioration probable, and the loss of
current self-worth enhancing characteristics is a
distinct possibility.
Greenberg, Schimel and Martens 2002
Ageism …
Ageism is pandemic (in all cultures)
At what age – or appearance of age – is
it no longer necessary to see persons as
the strong, life-experienced, capable,
wise and valuable members of our
neighborhoods and communities???
Later Life??
Begins at age 50
Three age divisions must be
acknowledged:
50 – 65
65 – 80
80 ++
Later Life??
MNALL includes persons over the age of
50. At this age, most have raised their
children, may be returning to the
workplace with great difficulty, and
most services available to abuse victims
are geared toward younger women and
women with children.
Dynamics
Domestic violence/sexual abuse is a
pattern of coercive tactics to gain and
maintain power and control in a
relationship. Schecter 1987
All forms of abuse involve power. All
abuse aims to control and manipulate
the victim.
Who abuses and Where?
Today we are talking about the abuse
that takes place in the residence of the
victim and perpetrated by a family
member – partner, spouse, family
member or person in an on-going
trusting relationship.
Barrier:
Old people are not sexual!
Old persons continue to be sexual as they age
– sex, romance and intimacy continue to be
important in their lives.
Old people are a drag on society!
Of those over age 65 , 1/3 work for pay, 1/3
volunteer and most contribute to their families
and friends, many as caretakers.
“Old” and “Disabled” are not synonomous
Barriers and Remedies
Persons over the age of 50 often have
strong beliefs about privacy and selfreliance
Listen to the victim – seldom will you
hear the story the first or second time
you interview them. It takes time to
build a sense of trust.
Barriers and Remedies
The commitments are traditional and strong
to spouse, family, home, church and
community. Religious beliefs and practices
are especially ingrained in response behavior.
Take your time….
Let them know you are truly concerned.
Tell them the abuse is not their fault.
Never blame - acknowledge the reluctance.
Listen!
Barriers and Remedies
Usually the victim/survivor has little or no
knowledge of what constitutes abuse.
Isolation has kept her from many contacts –
relatives, friends, neighbors, community
activities……
Listen but also educate! Ask if they have
ever been hit, kicked, slapped, sexually
violated or mistreated by someone important
to them. Is someone close to you hurting,
blaming, threatening or shaming you?
Barriers and Remedies
The survivor/victim you are talking with
seldom knows there is help and support
for her in her own community.
Offer options and resources, including
exploring ways she could take advantage of
those services. An advocate provides options
and helps the survivor to achieve the option
chosen.
Barriers and Remedies
The older the victim the more likely
they adhere to rigid gender roles
Listen carefully as they reveal parts of
their story – gently explain that many
gender role differences have
disappeared. They are free to make
choices on their own
Barriers and Remedies
Victim/survivor seldom believes there
can be relief, but has a glimmer of
hope!
Believe her, ask her what she wants,
assure her that you will help her
towards her goal.
Barriers and Remedies
Health and disability issues can be
overwhelming.
A perpetrator will take advantage of any
perceived weakness in the victim. At times
there are age specific declines that cause
vulnerability. Help the survivor/victim to see
their own inner strength and guide them to
safe resources for both health and safety.
Barriers ---Economic – A complete dependence on
the perpetrator for life’s needs. In the
rural area, many women never worked
anyplace but on the farm and nothing
was paid into Social Security for them.
Also, all assets are in “his” name alone,
and she has no knowledge of state law
protecting her interests.
…and Remedies
The problems surrounding money or
lack of same are unending, especially
for an abuse victim. This overlaps with
lack of transportation, communication
availability, housing and daily needs.
Many agencies and their advocates
and counselors may eventually be
involved to bring safety and relief
to one victim.
Barriers and Remedies…
Communities of color and Native
communities, underserved and marginalized
communities…..immigrant status and
culture….
All of the barriers that apply to communities
in general are multiplied for older
survivor/victims. We urge you to develop
working relationships with all service
providers so no survivor/victim will ever go
without support and safety in your
community.
…Remedies …
Know that each survivor/victim has
a life story that brought them to
this point in time, and the
strengths she has need to be
discovered and acknowledged.
Working with the
Survivor/Victim:
Develop a safety plan – now!
Maintain confidentiality regarding all
victim information
Do not tell the survivor what to do,
inform of choices of action, and assure
you will assist.
Working with the
survivor/victim
Respect a victim’s desire to
work with someone close to
their age, gender, race,
religion, class, culture,
sexual orientation…and
check your own ageism!
Red Flags: A Perpetrator May…
Insist on being present at every interaction
Be verbally abusive or charming and friendly to
service providers
Blame the victim for being difficult, stubborn, stupid
or clumsy
Forbid the victim to see family and friends, leave the
house unaccompanied and eventuallly create total
isolation
Red Flags…….
Ridicule victim’s spiritual beliefs and practices
Minimize victim’s injuries and physical
ailments
Control all jointly held assets
Have a history of alcohol and/or drug abuse
Create fear and guilt in the victim in all
communications -
Work in Partnership
Refer to appropriate agencies with
permission, and…if mandated,
explain what you are doing and
why
Maintain a working relationship with all
senior providers in your area, know who
to refer to…
Partners…Collaborators
SA and DV Advocates
Adult Protective Services
Health Care Providers
Law Enforcement
Prosecutors and Judges
Social Services
Faith Communities
Senior Centers……………and others……
Minnesota Mandated
Reporters
Professionals or professional’s delegates while
engaged in the care of vulnerable adults
Law enforcement
Educators
Health care related professionals
Nursing home administrators
Nursing personnel
Social workers
Psychologists
Resources
Call 911 if the danger is immediate
MN Senior Linkage Line 800-3332433
MN Day One Hotline:
866-223-1111
Resources
Minnesota Network on Abuse
In Later Life www.mnall.org
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in
Later Life
www.ncall.org
National Center on Elder Abuse
www.ncea.org
The manner in which our ageist
attitudes invade our decision
making process and
observations will have a direct
influence on our actions and
reactions as we provide
services.
SAVE THIS DATE!!!
WORLD ELDER ABUSE
AWARENESS DAY
JUNE 15, 2011
My World, Your World, Our World,
Free of Abuse in Later Life!