In honor of older victims, Crime Victim Services’ Elder Victim Ministry program will be dedicate a tree at Lima Towers on Tuesday, June 15, from 10:30-11 a.m., in conjunction with National Church Residences and Lima Towers, 790 S. Main St., Lima.

This tree dedication coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day., said Elysia Bush of Bluffton, program director.

Elder abuse affects 10 percent of the elder population. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act that causes harm to an older person. This includes isolation, physical or sexual abuse, financial abuse and exploitation, and emotional and psychological abuse.  

Losses are tangible for older victims.  Life savings are sometimes wiped out, not to mention the impact on one's dignity, independence or sometimes one's life. 

Last year, Elder Victim Ministry advocates served 884 victims of all types of crime, such as assault, harassment, identity theft, scams, larceny and property crimes. Elder Victim Ministry staff and volunteers offer safety planning, trauma-informed care, justice system guidance and legal and financial recovery help. 

Even after filing a police report, sometimes elders don’t want to press charges. Instead, with Elder Victim Ministry support, they may want help to break away from abusive home environments or relationships.

Trained volunteers or staff visit homes after burglaries to assess for any damages that could be repaired and listen for any other needs.  Volunteers also make weekly calls through their "Are You OK" and "Hello Neighbor" programs to check-in on victims. 

Lima Towers, a Rose Community, is a 200-unit residential community primarily for Ohioans age 62 and older. The community also serves residents living with a disability aged 61 and younger. National Church Residences partners with Rose Community to provide service coordination to increase residents’ quality of life.  

If you or someone you know is being victimized, report to law enforcement.  Crime Victim Services is also available to help you prevail over the trauma of a victimization in the areas of safety, healing, and legal and financial recovery.  Their services are free.  Contact Elysia Bush, Elder Victim Ministry Director, [email protected], 419-222-8666 or 1-877-867-7273.