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Where does a senior citizen get counseling for emotional and intimidation issues?

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Your question is important because elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States.

According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, elder abuse generally refers to any physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation of an older person either within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust and/or when an older person is targeted based on age or disability.

When defining elder abuse, most states, tribes, and organizations use a minimum age threshold that ranges from 50 to 70.

Many domestic abuse and sexual assault programs provide vital services for victims of all ages. The justice system has legal resources and remedies to hold offenders accountable. Other professionals from the aging services network, adult protective services and health care identify and assist older victims.

In Northern Michigan, survivors can reach out to Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) for confidential, caring and compassionate counseling, advocacy and therapy services provided to survivors at no cost. WRCNM serves community members in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Counselor/Advocates assist with crisis intervention, safety planning, support groups, information/referrals and medical, housing, legal and financial advocacy.  Master’s level, licensed Therapists have specialized training and experience in providing counseling services to those experiencing abuse, assault, stalking and harassment.

Contact the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s 24-hour help and information line, at (231) 347-0082 or (800) 275-1995.

Elder abuse resources:

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (DHS), Adult Protective Services
Report Elder Abuse: 1-855-444-3911
Information phone number: 231-348-1600

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life

Abuse in later life: power and control wheel

Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan

Cheboygan County Council on Aging

Otsego County Commission on Aging

Charlevoix County Commission on Aging

Friendship Centers of Emmet County