One in ten older adults living in a community setting experience abuse every month. Many older adults experience more than one form of abuse or neglect.
Whether physical, emotional, financial, sexual abuse, or neglect, elder abuse is about power and control. Abusers limit and control victims’ rights and freedoms, making them fear being hurt, humiliated, or isolated. Elder abuse is marked by an expectation of trust — the victim trusts the abuser. Sixty six percent of elder abuse cases are at the hands of family members.
Older adults of all genders, races, incomes, and cultures experience abuse. Elder abuse can happen to anyone, whether the older adult is a CEO of a corporation or struggles with dementia.
It isn’t always easy to recognize elder abuse. Elder abuse is often insidious in nature and difficult to detect. See below for a list of warning signs.
CHANA provides confidential, free services to older adults who are experiencing abuse and to those who suspect an older adult is being abused. CHANA teaches professionals and community members how to recognize and respond to elder abuse. As the first program with staff dedicated to the issue of elder abuse in Baltimore, CHANA brings social workers, lawyers, therapists, law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocates together to offer a coordinated response to elder abuse in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
No victim should suffer in silence. Our crisis intervention services encompass short-term immediate assistance and support for urgent safety issues. Regardless of whether someone chooses to remain in her or his home or seeks to leave, we encourage people to discuss their situation with one of our experienced, compassionate advocates. Together, we will evaluate the danger level and help the client devise a plan for increased safety at home, work, and in the community. Crisis intervention services include:
Prepare for the possibility of an incident happening. No one can control an abuser’s behavior. At CHANA, we work with every client to develop a safety plan, whether or not the client chooses to stay in the relationship or leave. Each plan is individualized. Every action that a client takes can impact their safety, making safety planning an ongoing process.
Justice, healing and safety for survivors. CHANA seeks justice and legal resolutions with victims and survivors of elder abuse. CHANA legal advocates provide information and support to those who have experienced elder abuse. The more educated and well-versed victims become, the more empowered they are to make informed decisions while navigating the judicial system.
Begin to heal and rebuild lives. Our trauma-informed counselors help clients understand the dynamics of elder abuse and discuss the vast array of feelings associated with it. Our trauma-informed mental health professionals listen and offer helpful tools and skills on ways to process complex emotions, heal from trauma, connect to community resources and move forward with life safely.
Gain sense of hope and empowerment. In a safe, nurturing environment, support groups allow participants to learn about the dynamics of elder abuse, talk with peers and clinicians about their experiences, and hear stories from others who have experienced abuse in their relationships. CHANA’s support groups ensure that no victim is forced to navigate their journey on their own and reduces feelings of shame and isolation. Groups are led by trauma-informed professionals. CHANA provides a range of support groups throughout the year.
CHANA provides a variety of shelter options for victims of elder abuse, including a specially designed safehouse equipped to meet the needs of older adults.
At CHANA, the role of consultation takes many forms. CHANA works with people directly affected by elder abuse and provides support to concerned family members and friends. CHANA is also a community resource and supports community organizations to address abuse within their establishments.
CHANA provides services and therapy that meet the cultural and religious needs of clients. Many members of local clergy are comfortable calling CHANA to collaborate on handling a sensitive situation within their organization. We have developed positive working relationships with local governmental agencies and community organizations to develop sensitive and intentional plans of action when facing concerns of abuse.
CHANA offers training and community education programs tailored especially for professionals, caregivers and older adults. These outreach programs aim to increase professional and public awareness and response about elder abuse and neglect.
We are dedicated to helping people who have experienced domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse find safety and healing. CHANA provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families, while educating communities as part of the movement to end abuse.
At CHANA, we stand with you.
– Leviticus 19:32
Jewish values promote care and support of our elders. CHANA’s work is informed by Jewish values and traditions and respects each client’s faith and belief system. CHANA cares for all clients, regardless of faith. Together, we recognize that the most important step toward preventing and responding to elder abuse is to recognize that no one — regardless of age — should be subjected to violent, abusive, humiliating or neglectful behavior.
Baltimore City Health Department – Aging and CARE Services
410-396-2273
Baltimore County Adult Protective Services
410-887-TIME (8463)
Baltimore County Department of Aging
410-887-2594
Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County
410-828-6390
DOVE (Domestic Violence Program) at Northwest Hospital
410-496-7555
Family Violence Program at Sinai Hospital
410-601-8692
MAP (Maryland Access Point)
1-410-396-2273
1-844-627-5465
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program at GBMC
443-849-3323
