Domestic violence in late life can be reflective of a long-term pattern of abuse, a new relationship/remarriage in which the new partner has a history of being abusive, or can be caused by a change in the marital relationship such as retirement or illness. In cases where the adult child is the abuser, typically he/she is financially dependent on the victim. Human Options has provided services to domestic violence victims in Orange County for 22 years.

Human Options’ Safe Options for Seniors was developed with the assistance of Orange County Adult Protective Services (APS). Safe Options for Seniors is a unique program which offers services identified by research as lacking for elder abuse victims: in-home counseling, legal advocacy and case management. Prior to this program APS did not have a referral agency that provided in-home counseling to victims. It’s essential to develop services that address the specific needs of these forgotten victims. 90% of our clients are unable to leave their homes for counseling appointments, so having the counselor come to them makes all the difference in them accepting and receiving services.

Safe Options for Seniors is the only domestic violence program in the county to provide this service. Older battered women and elder abuse victims typically have lived in fear and isolation for many years. With advancing age they feel that they have no way out of their situation. With the help of the program they learn that they can change their lives even in their latter years and regain hope, dignity, safety and self-sufficiency.

In Orange County there are approximately 3000 reported cases of domestic elder abuse each year, with 85% involving abuse by a family member.

• Are you sure you're not abused? (Word)
• Violence against women is an older women's issue (Word)
• Domestic elder abuse in later life (Word)