Eliza Bryant Village in Cleveland partners with Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to help elderly women sexually assaulted, stalked or otherwise subjected to violence

clevelandurbannews.com and  www.kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio –Eliza Bryant Village in Cleveland, a senior services center in the Hough neighborhood in Ward 7 that includes onsite affordable housing supplemented by the federal government and programs for seniors, has announced its newest program, a program titled "The Power Hour." Presented in partnership with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and made possible through funding from The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)’s Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse Later in Life Grant Program, The Power Hour is a monthly program designed to empower victims aged 50 and older who have experienced sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence and dating violence. It is applicable to both male and female victims of violence over 50.  “We want to ensure older adult victims have the psychological and social supports they need,” said Danny Williams, JD, MNO, LNHA, president and CEO of Eliza Bryant Village. “The Power Hour offers trauma-informed professional and peer support to help victims heal.” Sondra Miller, president and CEO of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, said sexual assault and other violence, which can occur against both women and men, transcends age  Not only does the program explore domestic abuse, but the licensed social workers facilitating the program connect survivors to local resources. As part of this trauma-informed programming, facilitators also provide strategies to assist victims of abuse in the spiritual healing process. The Power Hour takes place on the first Tuesday of every month from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. beginning March 1, 2022. These meetings are free and open to the public. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that one in ten seniors are victims of elder abuse, a number that has only increased during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests up to an 84% increase in abuse since the United States began sheltering in place in March 2020. The National Council on Aging reports that the abused have a 300% higher risk of death, as a consequence of abuse. Other consequences include isolation, intimidation, mental anguish, physical pain and financial ruin. We at Eliza Bryant Village remain committed to addressing elder abuse and supporting survivors.

Elder Abuse by the Numbers: Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services reported that from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, a total of 33,783 reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation were received by Ohio’s county departments of job and family services for adults 18 years of age and over. Of the 33,783 reports, 32,072 were reports for adults age 60 and over. ●       1 in 5 older people has experienced elder abuse during the pandemic, a jump of nearly 84% over pre-pandemic estimates. (American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, November 2021) ●       Up to five million older Americans are abused every year. (National Council on Aging, February 2021) ●       Rates of elder abuse have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. (World Health Organization, October 2021) ●       3.5 million older adults are financially exploited each year. (Consumer Affairs, July 2021) ●       The annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion. (National Council on Aging, February 2021) ●       $34,200 is the average annual amount lost by seniors targeted by scammers. (Consumer Affairs, July 2021) ●       Elder abuse affects peoples of all ethnicities equally (NCBI, 2013)   Eliza Bryant Village Elder Justice Center Admission Criteria: ●       55 years of age or older. ●       Experienced one or more of the following types of abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, financial). ●       In need of temporary safe space and agrees to be placed in a temporary safe space. ●       Victim will not contact the alleged abuser through any form of communication during their stay. ●       Victim will keep the shelter location confidential.

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