H.A.V.E.N. Update
By Cathleen Osborne-Gowey (Program Admin – Crime Victim Advocate) 541.602.0616 or COsbornegowey@estoo.net
Upcoming Events:
Support Group: We are now having in person support. Please call our office for details.
Program Update:
Hello all –
This early summer has been so busy for our program! We have submitted the FY 21 OVC and OVW grants (to ensure emergency legal services and transitional housing assistance) as well as the FY 21 HHS Family Violence Prevention Grant that does a wonderful job funding our outreach and education as well as services not covered by our other larger grants. Lastly, we found out we were awarded HHS American Rescue Plan Act funding, which will help us think outside the box and meet our clients varying COVID needs.
I’d like to take a moment and let our new Court/Sexual Assault Advocate (Caren Hall) introduce herself.
“I would like to introduce myself. My name is Caren Hall and I have been hired as the new Legal and Sexual Assault Advocate for Haven. I started my career in Public Service in 2004, as an EMT and 911 Dispatcher which lead me to becoming a full-time police officer. As an officer, I have proudly served the Ottawa County community for the past 10 years, most recently with the Quapaw Nation Marshals.
On average, nearly 20 people every 60 seconds are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. This equates to more than 10 million women and men each year. I look forward to using the knowledge and experience I gained working in law enforcement over the past 17 years, to provide survivor-centered advocacy, help them navigate the legal system, and assist in enhancing their safety.
On a personal note, I have 3 amazing children, 2 that are still in the nest, and the oldest is off, making his own path in this crazy world we live in. In my free time, well honestly, I’m not sure what that is, but my husband and I always enjoy spending time with family and friends”.
This month we are going to talk about Elder Abuse to remind everyone that Haven advocacy covers all forms of violence including elder abuse.
What is elder abuse? How can it be recognized?
Elder abuse can take the form of domestic violence, such as psychological and financial abuse. However, elder abuse is often not as readily identified as abuse by other family members and workers.
Physical abuse
- Inappropriate handling
- Taking away or controlling an aid such as moving a wheelchair or walker out of reach
- Using medication to sedate
- Providing care in a cruel or rough manner
Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault
- Force or coercion to take part in unwanted sexual activity
- Withholding needed care in exchange for sexual favors
Psychological/emotional abuse
- Denying the right to make decisions due to their cognitive state
- Convincing the older person that they couldn’t cope without the caregiver
- Denying access to ‘small pleasures’
- Talking about ‘how hard it is to provide care’ in front of the older person
Financial abuse
- Using a power of attorney to withhold money or misuse finances
- Not allowing the person to keep or carry their own money
- Withholding knowledge of their bank account balance or household bills paid
Neglect
- Poor hygiene or refusing to wash the older person
- Withholding medication, personal or medical care
- Withdrawing care or equipment that immobilizes or leaves the older person without a way to call for help
- Refusing or delaying assistance following a personal accident or spillage
- Receiving the career’s pension without providing the care
I’m worried about someone – what can I do?
If you suspect that a friend, family member, neighbor—or anyone else—is suffering from elder abuse, there are steps you can take to help. As with other forms of family violence, victims/survivors may be unwilling or unable to tell you about their abuse. Ask direct, non-accusing questions, listen and believe what they tell you, and support them to make their own decisions. Respond in a caring manner. You may be the first person they have ever told about the abuse. Understand that it was a difficult decision to do so.
Some questions you could ask:
- Are you afraid of x or anyone else at home?
- Has anyone threatened to put you in a nursing home?
- Are you being mistreated?
- Do you feel safe within your relationship?
- You mentioned that x loses their temper. Can you tell me more about that?
- Do you feel safe in your home?
- You seem to be concerned about x. Does their behavior ever frighten you?
- I see a lot of people with injuries like yours. Sometimes they’re a result of a family argument. Has this ever happened to you?
- I’ve come across several people who are victims of abuse and so now I make it a habit to ask people if they are abused or know anyone who has been abused. Do you know anyone who is abused?
Information on elder abuse for this article found at http://www.dvrcv.org.au/help-advice/elder-abuse-and-family-violence.
Haven advocates for all victims of crime. If you have questions, please contact HAVEN and talk with one of our advocates about how we can help and what services Haven can provide.
If you are able please call or see the messaging links above:
Haven Office: 918-554-2836
Text Line: 918.533.3070
Crime Victim Advocate: 541.602.0616
Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/
Program Email: havenprogram@estoo.net
Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram.
Our advocates are here to help!
