Who is SAFE?
Did you know that in Massachusetts, elder abuse reports
rose 12% annually over the past two years. Since July 2007
there have been more than 1,300 elder abuse reports in
the 23 southeastern Massachusetts communities in the greater
Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton areas.
Abuse is defined as an act or omission, which
results in serious physical or emotional injury of an elder
or financial exploitation of an elder. Acts or omissions
include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse,
neglect and financial exploitation.
Elder abuse is often a hidden issue, there
is a lack of understanding of the prevalence of all of
its forms and a lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms.
Elder abuse occurs in every community and effects people
from all walks of life. What unites these elders is an
inability to enjoy what should be their golden years. They
live in fear and neglect, with physical or emotional pain
caused by a person close to them.
Bristol Elder Services, Inc. is the local
resource for seniors who are abused, neglected, exploited,
or self-neglecting. A report should be made anytime you
have cause to believe that abuse is occurring or has occurred.
A report may be filed by calling Bristol Elder Services
at 508-675-2101. After normal business hours, reports may
also be filed with the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at
1-800-922-2275.
Experience has shown that the problem of
elder abuse is best addressed as a multi-disciplinary
effort,with a strong foundation at the local level. Bristol
Elder Services, Inc. was awarded by The National Committee
for the Prevention of Elder Abuse a grant to develop an
Elder Justice Coalition in the greater Fall River and New
Bedford areas. Bristol Elder Services, Inc. has partnered
with Coastline Elderly Services and local organizations
in forming SAFE
(Southeastern Alliance for Elders).
SAFE's mission is to prevent and eliminate
abuse of elders through community collaborations in education,
awareness, advocacy, intervention, and resource development.
SAFE strives for a community where elders are safe and
free from abuse. Prevention is key in eliminating elder
abuse. Education and awareness are vital preventive strategies
that teach new information but also help to change attitudes
and behaviors. Over the next year SAFE will focus upon
sharing information about elder abuse, its signs and symptoms
and ways to alleviate it. World Elder
Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, 2008 and this
is the kick off of the SAFE campaign. SAFE will focus
on ways the community can assist to overcome elder abuse
by taking notice, taking action. Show
the world you care and support the fight against elder
abuse by wearing something purple on June 15, 2008.
