Elder abuse is on the rise in Sacramento, according to the Volunteers of America, but there is help for those in need of assistance.
A safe house operated by the VOA offers victims a safe place to recover.
Emma Starkey, 70, became a victim of elder abuse at the hands of her own family. Things got so bad last year that she walked away from her own home.
"I decided that I was no use to anyone and for my own safety, I walked away," Starkey said.
Before the safe house, victims often ended up homeless.
VOA president and CEO Leo McFarland said elder abuse is a growing problem in Sacramento.
"We are hearing about 50 a week that are being reported," McFarland said. "We saw these people showing up in our shelters and we knew it wasn't right."
Abused and neglected seniors 62 and older can stay at the home up to 30 days at no cost, while a team of advocates helps them get back on their feet.
"We will be working with law enforcement and adult protective services to make sure the issue that brought them to the senior safe house is resolved in some fashion," McFarland said.
Now, Starkey lives by herself in a subsidized studio apartment and says she wouldn't have it any other way.
"I have a right to live and be myself and be on my own, I can take of myself," Starkey said.
The safe house costs about $250,000 to $350,000 annually to operate.
The program doesn't get federal funding and operates with private donations and volunteers who supplement paid staff members you may also contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1.866.999.9085 to talk to an experienced California Elder Abuse Attorney and visit us on-line at www.premierlegal.org.
