Domestic violence knows no age limit
Survivor shares advice, explains why she covered up the violence
10:42 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2008
Call for help
If you or someone you know needs help with a domestic abuse situation, call the Kansas State Hotline at 1-888-END ABUSE.
If you think domestic abuse is something that happens only to younger women, think again. One of out four women in America will suffer some form of abuse in their lifetimes, and more than 1.4 million women between 44 and 64 are experiencing abuse right now.
"And that abuse takes many forms, from financial abuse to physical abuse to sexual abuse to isolation, neglect for their needs," Women's Transitional Care Services Executive Director Sarah Terwelp said. "So, it doesn't have to be an actual mark that's laid on them for it to be abuse."
53-year old "Cathleen," who asked that we conceal her identity, was in an abusive relationship for 16 years.
"I used to have to wear turtlenecks to hide the bruises on my neck so that no one would know, from being choked. I had to make sure -- these were things you had to calculate -- I had to make sure my sleeves were long enough so the bruises on my arms wouldn't show, you know," Cathleen said. "Neighbors didn't know, unless they were very close and shared a wall. My family certainly didn't know, and it's because I was ashamed. I was trapped, and I felt like I couldn't go anywhere. But I was ashamed because I felt like I was allowing this to happen."
But with the help of Women's Transitional Care Services in Lawrence, Cathleen finally broke free of her abuser. And she has this advice for women of all ages.
"Any time that you are abused, take it seriously. Often times, it's never ever hardly a one time incident. It will continue. It will escalate, and then the years pass," she said.
If you like reading about issues affecting senior citizens, check out BoomerGirl.com, for stories, columns, advice, blogs and to network with others.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)