By Karol Markosky
HIV/AIDS Education Coordinator
Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City, Inc
Seeing the pain in someone’s eyes as they talk about atrocities they suffered and committed often by someone they love – especially by a son or daughter – has been the hardest thing about filming video stories for the Elder Justice Now campaign.
Working on this campaign, while tearful at times, has opened my eyes even more in to the rich lives of our seniors. I have been moved by the women and the men that I interviewed and by all of the stories of abuse that usually go unheard.
The most surprising thing has been the strength and power of the elders who had experienced the pain caused by abuse. However, many were ready to speak out against elder abuse and they did!
America’s seniors are often cast aside by a society that values youth and disdains aging. The people we interviewed for this campaign were NOT your stereotypical “elderly” who are often characterzed as weak and feeble. Their strength astounds me.
In New York, we were able to film at a few local senior centers. We had a blast! They not only welcomed us with open arms and talked to us about their experiences, they also let us film them having fun. We saw seniors who were belly dancing. Others were ballroom dancing, playing card games and working on the computer. We had lunch with one of the first female cardiologists. We had an afternoon snack at an Alzheimer’s support group. We were serenaded by a gentleman who wanted to share songs from his past and engaged in stimulating conversation.
I feel blessed everyday to work with seniors that have shaped this world and paved the way for me to do what I do today. Because of this, I feel truly impassioned to help in the fight for the Elder Justice Act.
Juan Diaz of New York City tells how adult protective services helped him deal with his son’s issues. His adult son was living with him in senior housing.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.
The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.
During a visit to Stein Senior Center, Helen Murray urges Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act on behalf of those who are even older than she and those who will become elders in future!
The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.
The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.
New York City’s Lilliam Barrios-Paoli does not understand why it has taken Congress so long to pass the Elder Justice Act. She urges baby boomers to mobilize to ensure its passage.
The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.
The Elder Justice Act would share best practices; provide education, awareness and training; increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse; and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.
During a visit to the Stein Senior Center in New York City, Doris Hutchinson of the Bronx urges Congress and the President to fund more programs for the nation’s seniors.
Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.
New York City’s Betty Beckles was physically abused by her daughter. She once volunteered for Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and asks for his help in protecting seniors like her.
In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.
The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.
Bobbie Sackman is the Director of Public Policy at the Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York. Based on her professional experience, Sackman knows that elder abuse often happens behind closed doors and often within families. She believes that it is time to stand and do something to protect the nation’s elderly.
The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.
It’s time for Congress to act and pass the Elder Justice Act now.
Muriel Olivierre’s mother was abused. The New Yorker calls on Congress to help find ways to stop it and to take all the steps necessary to prevent elder abuse.
There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.
The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.
To be a part in a national effort to raise awareness about the growing problem of abuse, we encourage you to Host-A-Screening of the short documentary film, An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America. By hosting a community screening of the film you will be protecting the dignity of today’s seniors and helping to ensure we can all live free from abuse tomorrow.
DVD NOW AVAILABLE
To order a DVD of An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America go to the WITNESS Store.
