HELP of Door County, Inc.

Beginning in 2000 HELP of Door County has had a part-time staff who works exclusively with older adults aged 50 and over. Up until recently, domestic violence in older adults was ignored. It was assumed that any abuse to an older adult was caregiver frustration with the solution of easing the stress of the caregiver.

Partner Abuse.Domestic violence by an intimate partner is experienced by older adults in three primary scenarios.

1.    The domestic violence for the victim began shortly after the wedding day and has continued throughout the marriage. The victim has stayed because of values, religious beliefs, children, economic dependency. The victim as an older adult may remain for the same reasons, but also due to health, fear of a nursing home, and even reduced personal income. Women do sometimes leave at this time, however.

2.    Up until the couple reached older adulthood, there had been no domestic violence. Now with retirement, children grown and deteriorating health, the abuser feels a lack of control and therefore a need to exert power over the partner to establish some type of control.

3.    Many older adults lose a partner and meet someone else that they want to share their life with. It is usually a very instant romance and quick decision to be together. Once that happens, in some instances, domestic violence begins. Often the victim has sold the property owned and moved into the abuser’s home. The second car may also be gone. The victim’s family is not welcome and becomes isolated.

Abuse by Adult Child, Family Member or Caregiver. Another type of domestic violence experienced by older adults is from an adult child, another family member, or a neighbor or friend. This individual will offer to assist the older adult and then abuse the older adult and use his/her assets for oneself. Valuables, property, income is turned over to the abuser. The older adult has been isolated, needs assistance, is fearful of a nursing home placement and loves this person they know. It is difficult to leave.

Self-Neglect.As one ages physical and mental health can affect one’s capacity as well as economic fear. This individual isolates oneself and begins to take actions that are unhealthy. Most often the adult unit of the Department of Social Services is the primary contact.  Inquiries seeking resources and expressing concerns would be made via the HELPline.

Primary Prevention. In the fall of 2004 HELP of Door County began to provide primary prevention services to older adults. Primary prevention services address the risk factors that could lead to domestic violence for older adults and attempt to prevent this from occurring. Retirement and health deterioration are two risk factors which have been identified as needing to be addressed. With loss of control in one’s life, one’s health or the health of one's partner, abuse can begin to create a semblance of control and power. HELP offers two brochures on ways to deal with both health and retirement, and HELP staff regularly write articles on the topics for the media. A variety of educational programs on these topics are also available for any type of audience.  Other programs are being developed. HELP staff is working with other agencies that work with older adults to make people more aware of this information.

For advocacy or primary prevention services simply call the office, 920-743-8785.

The older adult is eligible for any of our intervention domestic violence services.