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Covid 19

Support People Experiencing Abuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The physical distancing required to keep everyone safe during this global pandemic has increased the risk of abuse for many who are now isolated with their abuser. 

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Because survivors are at greater risk and have fewer opportunities to reach out for help, we need extraordinary, community-based efforts to provide access to services.

 

That’s why Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership is calling on YOU to redouble your efforts to connect with and support survivors of abuse.

COVID-19 and Elder Abuse:
Ideas for Increasing Safety and Strengthening Families in Faith Communities

Safe Havens is excited to share its newest resource for faith leaders and faith communities. This resource, developed in partnership with the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life and Futures Without Violence, was created to help reach and support older adults during COVID-19.

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The COVID-19 pandemic intersects with an elder abuse crisis that already affects at least 1 in 10 older adults in the U.S. The pandemic can worsen this abuse as older adults may be sheltering with their abusers, economic insecurity may be putting older adults at greater risk for financial exploitation, and physical distancing may make it more difficult to reach out for help.

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Public health research shows that one of the best ways to increase safety and prevent abuse is to provide resources to everyone. Whether someone uses the information for themselves or shares it with a friend or family member, nobody is singled out or forced to talk about abuse. The more this life-saving information is shared throughout the community, the more the resources will reach those who need them most.

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If you are a faith leader or a member of a faith community, you can play a critical role in sharing this information. We hope you will view this hot-off-the-presses resource and use the button below to find links to other resources. Then we hope you will disseminate this resource widely—in your newsletter, service bulletins, website, and beyond.

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On behalf of older adults experiencing abuse, thank you for stepping up and sharing this important information. You never know who you will reach!

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