Many victims of abuse in later life feel alone and ashamed as a result of the abuse. They may blame themselves for the abuse or feel they have nowhere to turn. They may also feel pressure from others not to reach out for help or fear no one will believe them.

If you are concerned about an older adult and you wish to help, start by approaching them at a time and place that is safe and private. Let them know that you are concerned about them and that they do not deserve to be harmed. Let them know that you care for them, you respect them, and you are there to help. To get the conversation started, consider statements such as:

• I am concerned for your safety.
• No one deserves to be harmed.
• There are organizations that can help.
• I am here to help whenever you are ready and with whatever you might need.

It can be hard to learn that an older adult that you care about or love is being harmed. Keep in mind that they may choose to maintain contact with someone who is harming them and they may not be interested contacting anyone for assistance. They may be afraid of their abuser or of the consequences of reach out for help. It may take time for them to make a decision. If you are concerned about the person’s safety, speak up, but remember, they may be the best judge of their circumstances.

Offer support to them without criticism. Acknowledge the strength and bravery it takes to talk about such a difficult topic. Let them know the abuse is not their fault and that you are there to support them. Let them know that help and safety is available.
Encourage them to reach out to victim service providers in your community who can assist them as they think through their options and develop strategies for staying safe. Offer to provide transportation or go with them for their first appointment.

Let them know they can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline  at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 to get important information and talk confidentially to someone about their experience and available resources or contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) at 800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with their local sexual abuse victim service program.

If you feel the person is in immediate danger, contact 911. Also, if you are concerned that the older adult may not have the cognitive capacity to make decisions about the situation due to dementia or another medical condition, consider working with health care providers and adult protective services to help. Local aging services and Adult Protective Services can be found through Eldercare Locator.

Consider working with the victim on a safety plan. Many domestic abuse victim service programs work with victims to create a safety plan, whether the victim chooses to stay with the person harming them or is planning on leaving. Often safety plans include a safe and trusted individual the victim can reach out to for support and help, someone who may call and check-in on the older victim on a regular basis. Discuss with the  victim ways you can be a supportive person through a safety planning process.

Supporting someone who is being harmed is not easy. Sometimes, being supportive of someone who is being harmed is a long and arduous process. Self-care is very  important. Be sure to take care of yourself and have your own support system through this difficult process.