In The News

Domestic abuse report: Elders often victims
By Laurel J. Sweet
Tuesday, December 5, 2006 - Updated: 03:54 AM EST

In the first 11 months of this year, three women and three men ages 51 to 92 were murdered by their children, ex-lovers, spouses or simply because they walked in at the wrong time on a bullet meant for someone else.

That elders so far account for nearly a quarter of the state’s 26 known victims of domestic abuse is not some newfangled baby boomer phenomenon, as Jane Doe Inc. will reveal this morning at the State House with the release of its first-ever domestic violence homicide report.

The disturbingly detailed 51-page review focuses on 2003, when 19 people were murdered, five perpetrators committed suicide and 41 children were left orphaned by domestic abuse.

In 2003, according to Jane Doe, a coalition of support services, 32 percent of domestic violence murder victims (five women and one man) were over 50.

“I’m thinking it was always there and we just never noticed,” said Mary Lauby, Jane Doe’s executive director. “As a culture, in spite of what we say, we overlook elders constantly.”

Lauby said there may be many unknown cases in which abuse and violence may have led to the deaths of seniors thought to have succumbed to medical conditions, falls down stairs or “apparent” suicides.

Relatives who might otherwise be suspicious of bruises and behavior don’t want to ask, “Could grandpa really do that to somebody?” Lauby said.

“Domestic violence,” she pointed out, “isn’t about rage, it’s about power and control. If someone is physically disabled, keeping them from getting to their walker is a good way to control them. Withholding medication, mixing medications,” could be fatal.

Lauby urges victims, “Talk to somebody. Talk to a physician, talk to somebody in the faith community, call the local domestic violence program. And if you don’t get anywhere with them, call us and we’ll figure out how to help.”