National Special Victims (NSV) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides resources and support to victims of crime who may not otherwise receive services.
Seniors
All donations are recognized by the IRS as generally tax-deductible.
We focus on three main areas:
- Victims with disabilities: NSV understands that victims with disabilities may have unique needs when it comes to accessing services. They provide resources and support to help victims with disabilities get the help they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
Senior citizens are some of the most vulnerable members of our society. They are often targets of crime, abuse, and neglect. Your donation can help us provide these victims with the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
Problem:
- One in five seniors will experience some form of elder abuse in their lifetime.
- Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and emotional abuse.
- Elder abuse can have a devastating impact on victims, both physically and emotionally.
Solution:
Your donation will help us provide the following services to senior citizens who are victims:
- Emergency shelter
- Food and clothing
- Financial assistance
- Legal assistance
- Counseling and support groups
Call to action:
My own family was abusing me, and I didn’t have enough money or support to get out. NSV was there.
Jenny was a 75-year-old woman who had been living with her daughter, Mary, for the past five years. Mary was herself at retirement age with no children, and she had been struggling to make ends meet. As a result, she had been taking out her frustrations on Jenny. She would often yell at her, call her names, and even hit her. Jenny was afraid to leave Mary’s home because she didn’t have any money of her own, and she didn’t know where else to go.
One day, Jenny’s neighbor called the National Special Victims hotline. The hotline operator listened to Jenny’s story, and she told her that she would help her. The operator contacted National Special Victims, and they sent a team to Jenny’s home. The team met with Jenny, and they talked to her about elder abuse and options.
With the help of National Special Victims, Jenny was able to move out of Mary’s home and into her own apartment. She is now living a safe and independent life, and has in-home support services provided by her medical insurance.
There are many reasons why seniors allow family to abuse them. Some seniors are afraid to leave their abusers because they don’t have anywhere else to go. Others are afraid of what their abusers will do to them if they leave. Still others are afraid of being alone.
If you are a senior who is being abused, please know that you are not alone. There are people who can help you. Please reach out to the National Special Victims hotline or to your local elder abuse agency. You don’t have to live in fear.
NSV is a valuable resource for victims of crime who may not otherwise receive services. If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, please refer them to this website or call our hotline for more information (888) 805-0122.
Here are some of the specific services that NSV provides:
- Legal advocacy: NSV can help victims navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that their rights are protected.
- Case management: NSV can provide victims with case management services to help them access the resources they need, such as counseling, housing, and financial assistance.
- Support groups: NSV offers support groups for victims of crime to provide them with a safe space to share their experiences and connect with others who understand what they are going through.
- Education and training: NSV offers education and training to help professionals who work with victims of crime better understand their needs.
If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, please do not hesitate to reach out to NSV for help. They are here to provide you with the resources and support you need to heal and rebuild your life.
Resources
You can refer a senior citizen to report abuse to the following places:
- Adult Protective Services (APS): APS is a government agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults. You can find the contact information for APS in your state by visiting the Eldercare Locator website at https://eldercare.acl.gov/.
- The National Elder Abuse Hotline: The National Elder Abuse Hotline is a 24/7, confidential hotline that can provide information and resources to seniors who are being abused, neglected, or exploited. You can call the hotline at 1-800-677-1116.
- The National Special Victim Hotline: The National Domestic Violence Hotline can also provide support and resources to seniors who are being abused by their spouse or partner. You can call the hotline at 1-888-805-0122.
- A local law enforcement agency: If you believe that a senior citizen is in immediate danger, you should call your local law enforcement agency or 911.
- A trusted friend or family member: If you are not comfortable reporting the abuse to a government agency, you can also talk to a trusted friend or family member. They may be able to help you find the resources you need to protect the senior citizen.
It is important to remember that you are not alone if you are concerned about a senior citizen who is being abused. There are many resources available to help you get help for the senior citizen and to protect them from further abuse.
Here are some additional things you can do to help:
- Stay calm and supportive. The senior citizen may be scared or embarrassed to talk about the abuse. Let them know that you are there to help and that you believe them.
- Document the abuse. If possible, take pictures or videos of the injuries or the environment where the abuse is happening. Keep a record of dates, times, and what happened.
- Encourage the senior citizen to get help. Help them find a lawyer, a therapist, or a support group.
- Be patient and understanding. It may take time for the senior citizen to come to terms with the abuse and to take steps to get help.
Thank you for your concern for the senior citizen. By taking action, you can help them get the help they need and deserve.
NSV provides the safety that may be unavailable locally!
I was trapped. No shelter would take me.