Elder Abuse During Covid-19

FaithTrust Institute has joined other anti-violence organizations to call for increased awareness and prevention of elder abuse.

The physical distancing required to keep everyone safe during this global pandemic has increased the risk of abuse for many older adults who are now isolated in their homes and facilities.

For 89% of older adults, faith is a source of strength and resilience, and faith communities are an essential social network. Faith is especially vibrant in communities of color. Even now, older adults are receiving meals, calls, groceries, prayers, spiritual support, and letters from their faith communities.

Many older adults who experience abuse turn first for help to those they trust: friends, family, and, often, faith leaders or someone in their faith community. Now, while it is harder than ever to reach out for help, we need extraordinary, community-based efforts to help these older adults reach services.

That is why we are calling on faith communities and faithful people everywhere to increase their efforts to connect with and support older survivors of abuse.

How you can help:

1. Break the silence about elder abuse - in your congregation’s newsletters, in corporate prayers, and in other communications.
2. Now that many services are virtual, make sure that the national domestic violence hotline (800-799-7233/800-787-3224 TTY) is readily available on your congregation’s website. Include the number in the footer of newsletters, in your email signature, and on Facebook. This 24/7 hotline offers free, confidential support with language access for non-English speaking individuals.
3. Explore these resources and work with the experts in your community, including your local domestic and sexual violence agencies, adult protective services, long-term-care ombudsman, and Area Agencies on Aging. The national Elder Care Locator (800-677-1116) is another resource to find services.
4. Reach out regularly to older family members, friends, and congregants. Remember the “red flags” of elder abuse, ask questions privately, and refer to services.
5. Help older adults who are experiencing abuse access these resources when they cannot reach out on their own.

Read and share the letter (PDF) with others in your community.