Domestic Violence Awareness for Seniors
Domestic violence does not discriminate, it affects people of all races, cultures, genders, socioeconomic groups, and ages. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, NYCHA’s Community Engagement and Partnerships department held events to shine a light on how domestic violence can affect older adults.
Approximately 500 seniors from various NYCHA developments attended the two domestic violence awareness programs, many of them dressed in purple as a gesture of support for survivors. The first event was held at the Riis Neighborhood Settlement Center in Queens on October 16, followed by an October 18 event at the Johnson Community Center in Manhattan.
Both events included special guest speakers, lunch, and resource tables. Representatives from advocacy and victims’ assistance groups presented or were in attendance, including Safe Horizons, Barrier Free Living, Adult Protective Services, SAGE, and the Family Justice Centers of Queens and Manhattan. In addition, health organizations including Humana, The Floating Hospital, Lighthouse Guild, New York Presbyterian, and United Healthcare were on hand to provide medical resources and health screenings.
Domestic Violence Resources:
NYCHA’s Domestic Violence Information, Policy, and Resources
New York City Department for the Aging Info on Elder Abuse & Crime
The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence has several resources available to New Yorkers, including the following:
NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
NYC HOPE, a website with an extensive list of available city resources.
New York City Family Justice Centers (FJCs) provide free and confidential services, including comprehensive civil legal, counseling and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, and sex trafficking. There is an FJC in every borough, they are safe and caring environments that provide one-stop services and support. All are welcome regardless of language, income, language spoken or immigration status.
No appointment is needed. Centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NYC Family Justice Center, Bronx
198 East 161st Street
2nd Floor
718-508-1220
NYC Family Justice Center, Brooklyn
350 Jay Street
718-250-5111
NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan
80 Centre Street
212-602-2800
NYC Family Justice Center, Queens
126-02 82nd Avenue
718-575-4545
NYC Family Justice Center, Staten Island
126 Stuyvesant Place
718-697-4300