I’ve been a guest speaker for several classes on aging at Cal State during the summer quarter. The students there are surprisingly focused on issues relating to older adults. One of the presentations I’ve given is a report on domestic violence with older adults. It is a very sensitive topic and there are factors that confound the students and me.
One of the most challenging ideas is the Faith Factor. Now I have often been a supporter of the partnership of health care and church in education, social and heath programs. Harvard researcher Dr Herbert Benson has documented the benefits of strongly held religious belief and physical healing. I always discuss the protective factor of religious practice in suicide prevention.
What provokes us in the domestic violence area is the perception by victims that a church (regardless of what kind) fosters domestic abuse and is not a resource for getting help. The difference in Theology and tradition may be the problem. Older women report feeling that if they go to a faith leader they won’t get any help. They feel pretty much the same about health care workers too. The only resource the women see as a possible protective factor is law enforcement. And they often believe it is only temporary relief. Since clergy members are mandated reporters of elder and child abuse, if they suspect abuse they must report it to APS and law enforcement. APS is staffed by social workers whose mission is to protect. No one deserves to be frightened, hurt or exploited. No one should have to bear the secret of having family treat them that way. There is help.Domestic Violence Safety Hotline is (800) 978-3600 with many language capabilities. APS phone number is 1(877) 477-3646. You can obtain assistance from Bet Tzedek Legal Services for an elder abuse restraining order (323) 939-0506. Other social services can be found in LA County by calling 211.