Willow Glen Resident

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Domestic violence agency reaches out to most silent victimsÑseniors

By Sarah Holcomb

One San Jose agency is reaching out to some of the most silent victims of domestic violence--seniors.

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence has launched a regional campaign to raise awareness of its Mature Alternatives for Violent Environments Now (MAVEN) program geared toward adults 50 and older. The nonprofit agency will make presentations at senior centers throughout San Jose and surrounding cities.

Spokeswoman Pat Mullen said the agency is targeting seniors in particular because people in this age group tend to be more hesitant to seek outside help. Oftentimes, they assume their peers will urge them to leave their relationship, she said.

"They've had longer marriages of 20 or 30 years, and they've been isolated for a long time," Mullen said. "It's difficult for them to reach out."

The MAVEN program is set up to address the needs of older victims through home visits, field trips, legal assistance, support groups, outreach and recreational activities. The agency also offers support and safety plans for victims who decide to stay in the relationship.

"We give them hope and let them know they are not the only ones in this kind of situation, so they can let go of the embarrassment and not feel ashamed," Mullen said.

Advocacy manager Patricia Bennett said often, senior victims just need someone to listen to them.

"In some cases, reporting it can put them more at risk for danger than just staying in the relationship," Bennett said.

Mullen and Bennett point to success stories: 61-year-old Joan, identified by her first name only, decided to leave her abusive husband-caregiver after 37 years of marriage. Adult Protective Services sent an advocate from Next Door Solutions to her home in April. After several home visits, Joan decided she wanted to leave. In June, the agency helped her meet with a lawyer, secure a restraining order and find an apartment.

Bennett said Next Door's definition of domestic violence encompasses many types of abuse within various types of relationships. Aside from physical abuse between spouses, domestic violence can also include verbal and emotional abuse, financial abuse and neglect by caretakers or other family members, such as adult children.

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence began its programs 35 years ago as a safe home located in a garage and has grown into Santa Clara County's most comprehensive domestic violence service agency. Its MAVEN program dedicates staff and funds to reach out to potential victims 50 and older. The program has served approximately 416 seniors.

For more information about Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, call 408. 501.7550, or call the hotline for victims of domestic violence at 408.279.2962.

Women in emergency shelters last year: 261

Children who received counseling last year: 103

People served annually: 11,800

People who have benefited from MAVEN program: 416

Number of hotline calls received last year: 22,868

--Source: Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence

Domestic violence agency reaches out to most silent victims--seniors