CLEVELAND — The Elder Justice Center at Eliza Bryant Village will open on Monday, serving as a safe place for seniors who are victims of abuse.
Statistics show, 1 in 10 U.S. seniors are abused physically or financially, and very few ever report the crime.
"Reason being, unfortunately, often it's caregivers or loved ones doing the abuse and the senior is afraid or embarrassed or ashamed of what's happening," said Jeanna Davis, director of the Elder Justice Center.
A stay at the Elder Justice Center is free thanks to support from the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
The center is the only one of its kind in Ohio that provides temporary safe housing and support services for older adults, ages 62 and up, who are victims of abuse, violence, trauma and/or criminal victimization.
“There are currently very limited options for shelter for older adults,” said Danny R. Williams, president and CEO of Eliza Bryant Village, in a news release. “Our new Elder Justice Center is a much-needed service to help support and connect older victims to resources to help them return to a safe environment.”
Davis says once they help a senior secure safe housing, the staff will follow them for 90 days to make sure the transition is going well and they'll help them with a down payment, furniture and clothing.
The center is located at Eliza Bryant Village, 7201 Wade Park Avenue in Cleveland, which provides a range of services to seniors, including an adult day care, outreach programs, transportation and nutritious meals.
