An abusive situation: Domestic violence affects men and women of all ages

Women ages 18 to 34 experience the highest rate of violence from an intimate partner, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. But the truth is, abuse occurs in all ages, genders, races, income levels and backgrounds.

"What we see in all kinds of abuse, elders included, is that the abusive person is seeking power and control over another person. Unfortunately, when an individual is older, they may have even less power and control over themselves and their own situation," says Jessica Hill, executive director of the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau.

Physical abuse and neglect are the two main types of abuse that elders experience, Hill says, though they also may fall victim to sexual abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse and abandonment.

Oftentimes, the abuser is an adult child or caregiver.

"Seniors are not necessarily able to remove themselves from [an abusive] situation because they may find themselves in an isolated situation or dependent on their abuser for housing and other basic needs," Hill explains. "It's really important for us as a community to watch out for warning signs in the older people we care about and come in contact with, to make sure they are being taken care of and not being exploited."

Bruises, pressure marks and burns are some warning signs that a senior is being physically abused, Hill says.

Ruth Dockins, public information director at Aging Matters, says to watch for a pattern in abuse: It's possible to fall or bump into something once in awhile, but if marks and bruises show up constantly, it's probably no accident.

Signs of neglect may include unattended medical needs, poor hygiene and unusual weight loss, Hill says.

A sudden change in financial situation may suggest a person is being exploited financially.

"A lot of times an elderly person will put someone else on their checking account with them, and they should not do that," Dockins says. "If they want that person to receive their money when they die, they should have a transfer on death or pay on death."

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If you notice a strained relationship between a senior and their caregiver or relative -- arguing, belittling, verbal abuse -- it may indicate some type of abuse is going on in private, Hill says.

Victims of all types of abuse tend to withdraw from their regular or favorite activities, such as going to church or having lunch at the senior center, she adds.

"We see older people as individuals who should be respected and certainly cared for and assisted as much as they need to be, but unfortunately, individuals who are older are less strong, and may be less mobile," Hill says. "If they don't have access to transportation and other resources, it makes them more vulnerable to being taken advantage of or mistreated by the people around them."

If you or someone you know is being abused, call the Safe House for Women crisis line at (573) 651-1416, or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (800) 392-0210.

"If you suspect this is happening to someone else, you need to make a hotline call," Dockins says. "If there's a person that knows somebody is stealing money from them, they should call the police."

Hill says any information given to the Safe House or DHSS is confidential.

"The important thing for people to realize is that although they might feel isolated, they are not alone, and there are people who care about them and want them to be safe," she says. "We want to help you and help you understand what options might be available so you can be safe and secure," she says.