Elder Abuse Counseling Services

Elder abuse can take many forms: physical & sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and emotional abuse. REACH of Jackson county now provides services to this vulnerable group--one that has, until now, been under served by agencies in this region of North Carolina.

Facts about our elderly population:

• Jackson County, in western North Carolina, has a population of about 35,000 as of 2005.
• Of this population of 35,000
  • 19% is over the age of 60
• 11% is over the age of 65
• 53% is female
• 20% fall below the federal poverty level

The solutions for the elderly, especially in this rural area, area quite different than for younger aged victims. The elderly are often not eligible for many of the services or financial assistance available to younger victims. Elders often have physical and financial restraints that make accessing help and/or leaving an abusive situation impossible without intervention.

REACH Elder Abuse Counseling Services provides assistance in three ways:

• SERVICES
  • individual counseling, both off-site and at REACH offices
  • personal & legal advocate to accompany victims to court and help file legal papers and compensation forms
  • emergency shelter
  • 24-hour hotline
• RESPONSE SYSTEM
  • staff member to work with social services and law enforcement to identify victims
  • provide referrals for responders and agencies
• OUTREACH PROGRAM
  • presentations to social services, law enforcement, media, churches, and elder-related agencies
  • brochures and flyers distributed throughout the community
  • task force composed of representatives from hospitals, law enforcement, social services and other agencies

All services are available to Federal crime victims (members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee and out of state victims whose abusers cross state lines)

For additional information contact:

• Marsha Griffin, LPC
  • (828) 631-4488
  • mgriffin@reachofjackson.com
    

For legal advocacy information contact:

• Belinda Stephens, Legal Advocate
  • (828) 631-4488

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