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When thinking of domestic violence, typically abuse from a spouse or partner abuse is what comes to mind for most. Though, anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. This can include a child, other relatives, or any other household member.
"Elder abuse is defined as abuse or mistreatment that is harmful or painful and that is directed at someone who is over the age of 65 or who is a dependent adult who is disabled, unable to do normal activities (such as take care of oneself) or protect him or herself," according to Martens & Brusseau.
Elder abuse is a less known form of domestic violence (if it involves a close or intimate relationship) and is often looked past. Elder abuse is more than physical harm, but also involves neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and even abandonment.
Those who are elderly are more vulnerable, and some people may use it to their advantage to exploit and take advantage of them. A lot of these cases go unreported, and one of the biggest reasons why is because those who have been abused are heavily dependent on the ones abusing them. Shame and subtleness of the abuse can also contribute to the lack of reporting.
There are many ways to recognize signs of elder abuse. These signs can be unexplained injuries like scratches, scars and burns. Sexual injuries can also be another sign, especially if the elder has no partner. Emotional trauma such as depression, fearfulness or if they are withdrawn can say a lot and could be signs of emotional abuse. Physical neglect can involve them not receiving the proper medical treatment they need, or whether they are hygienic. For those who are legally responsible, or are in close relation to the elder, financial abuse is very common.
Knowing the signs can help save someone from a traumatic situation. Spreading awareness can keep people informed about what to look for.
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Sources:
Recent News. MARTENS & BRUSSEAU. (2017, April 4). https://www.martenslawfirm.com/blog/2017/april/is-elder-abuse-domestic-violence-.
With awareness about domestic violence becoming more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other factors that can increase the risks of domestic violence. Specifically, a community that is at a heightened risk are immigrant communities.
There are multiple reasons as to why immigrant communities are more at risk of being victims of domestic violence. These reasons vary from language barriers, to the constant fear of deportation.
"Immigrant survivors often choose not to report incidents of abuse out of fear of immigration consequences," according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "Immigration status may interfere with their ability to access support services as well."
With the lack of help from their community and area of living, this places even more of a barrier on immigrant communities when it comes to finding help.
Abusers who are citizens or lawful permanent residents may even use this information about the undocumented immigrant victims as another violent tool to blackmail, threaten or have an extra hold on the victim.
Whether it is a threat to deport them, or even a threat to say their relationship is a fraud, these cases are extremely common. Thankfully, Congress has created routes to status that can help immigrants abused by a U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
"Through VAWA, an abused immigrant can self-petition for legal permanent residence or can get a battered spouse waiver to remove the abusive spouse from the process of changing a conditional green card to a ten-year green card," according to WomensLaw.org.
Knowing your rights is important, but raising awareness about these rights is even more important. Spreading the word may save someones life.
Word Count: 271
Sources:
Abuse in Immigrant Communities. The Hotline. (2021, June 2). https://www.thehotline.org/resources/abuse-in-immigrant-communities/.
Abuse in Immigrant Communities. WomensLaw.org. (2021, March 16). https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/abuse-specific-communities/abuse-immigrant-communities.
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