ALICE MORENO
news@queensledger.com
Elder abuse is an unfortunate reality that many face. According to the National Council on Aging, studies show that during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 1 out of 5 adults reported elder abuse. In another study, 1 out of 24 cases of abuse was reported.
Sunnyside Community Center (SCS) is doing all it can to help elders get the justice they deserve.
On Thursday, April 3, SCS held a press conference to learn more about the Elder Justice Program’s support services. With speakers such as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Commissioner of the NYC Department for the Aging, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, guests learned about the resources offered and how city officials will help combat this issue.
“I want to make sure that you understand that you can trust the process,” said Queens District Attorney Katz during her speech. “That we will prosecute those [who] are coming after the elderly, and we will make sure that they are accountable for that crime. But you need to trust that we will do that.”
The SCS offers help to elders located in Western Queens (Community Districts 1-7 and 11), and — according to their press release — includes services such as: case assistance, counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, benefits enrollment, transportation assistance, referral to legal resources, and assistance with security, such as replacing locks. They offer services in Spanish and Mandarin as well, with staff members who understand cultural differences and language barriers.
Launette Billups, a 74-year-old single mother of six, shared her story during the press conference. One of her children suffered from mental health issues, and Billups, who was facing abuse during her child’s episode, had called the police. She eventually received a phone call from SCS, offering their help and services to her. A year later, Billups thanks the SCS for their support.
“Here I am today, almost a year later. My journey at the Elder Justice Program has been very beneficial, but it was one of the hardest things I had to do, because I don’t worry about being safe, but I still have a child that has mental illness and society would like to put her in jail,” said Billups as she described her story. “My fight is not over, and my fight is not ended, but at least I know that I have a safe space, and I have people here in my corner that’s going to advise you, and all I have to do is speak up.”
According to Shyvonne Noboa, the Associate Executive Director of Older Adult Services at SCS, there are various warning signs of elder abuse. These include restricting access to money, such as from their Social Security Income, closely monitoring their whereabouts, isolating elders from leading their normal lives, and verbal, physical, and/or mental abuse. All calls are confidential, giving survivors the safe space they need to combat abuse.
Funded by the New York City Committee on Aging, the SCS works tirelessly to help elders in need escape their abusive situations. They hope to listen and understand what each individual is going through, giving them a space and resources to get through each situation safely. Though they understand the difficulties of opening up about being abused, as it is severely underreported, SCS urges those to call 911 or go to the hospital, since they are willing to help.
“My advice to [those who are victims of abuse] would be when they’re ready to say, ‘I need help,’ to trust that they call Sunny Side Community Services,” said Noboa. “We’re going to listen, we’re going to give them the space that they need, and we’re going to connect them with resources and services to value them and treat them with dignity and respect.”
