Maricopa Association of Governments

Elders and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be a lifelong problem. Older victims have difficulty admitting that abuse is an issue in their lives. Many things, including cultural norms and religious views greatly impact their decisions on remaining in a destructive relationship. Often times, older battered women have been socialized to marry for better or for worse, and divorce was rarely an option to them when they were younger.

There are other reasons older women are often reluctant to leave an abusive relationship. After many years of accumulated memories and mementos, they do not want to leave their homes, their possessions, and their lives, as they have known them. The uncertainty associated with leaving an abusive relationship is often more frightening than enduring the abuse.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance and the Area Agency on Aging, Region One, older battered women in Maricopa County can receive the assistance they need. Support groups designed specifically for the older battered woman are held at locations throughout the Valley. The meetings are facilitated by a professional prevention specialist and provide a forum for sharing, education, group support and information on available community resources.

The Maricopa Elder Emergency Housing Program provides free, safe housing for up to two weeks for victims of abuse. More than 25 assisted living facilities and nursing homes in Maricopa County participate in the program, and emergency room staff at many Valley hospitals can now call a volunteer Program Advocate, who is available to assist with determining program eligibility and arranging housing placement.

To receive more information about late-life domestic violence support groups or the emergency housing program, call the Area Agency on Aging's 24-hour Senior HELP LINE at (602) 264-HELP, or statewide call the Elder Resource and Referral Line (ERRL) at 1-800-686-1431, or visit the Agency's Web site at www.aaaphx.org.

Elder Abuse Information

• Adult Protective Services
  1122 North Seventh Street, Suite #205
  Phoenix, AZ 85006
  (602) 255-0996
• Area Agency on Aging
  1366 East Thomas Road, Suite #108
  Phoenix, AZ 85014
  (602) 264-2255
• Senior Help Line (602) 264-4357