Nonprofit Looking To Open Elder Abuse Shelter

They’re called safe victims.

"One who is unlikely to offer any opposition to his or her victimization, and also one that’s unlikely to report it," EASI Board President Renee Clift said.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of elderly people are abused, neglected, and exploited, but the abuse often goes un-noticed.

"Because it’s unseen, unrecognized by the community for the most part," EASI Board Member Pattie Yost said.

"As many of 1 in 14 and as few at 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse are ever reported," Clift said.

Renee Clift teaches family violence at Fresno City College. She says it’s hard for victims of elder abuse to come forward because many times, they’ll be turning in a family member.

"Just like other forms of family violence, it’s a crime that’s hidden," Clift said.

It’s one of the reasons Elder Abuse Services Incorporated was formed. The group has been providing education for years, but now they want to take it one step further.

"We are a group of folks who are working to open a shelter and provide comprehensive services to victims of elder abuse," Clift said.

Clift says the shelter will be the second of its kind in California. It will provide case management services and mental health treatment. It’s goal is to get the victim back into a stable environment.

She says they are hoping to raise $ 300,000 for the shelter. But in the meantime, there are programs that can help those caregivers who feel the stress is becoming overwhelming.

"It’s really important for them to have a break and with Valley Caregiver Resource Center, we offer that break, that support for the non-paid caregivers," Valley Caregiver Resource Center Program Manager David Reed said.

EASI is planning to hold its first big fundraiser May 2nd at the Clovis Veterans Auditorium. For more information on that fundraiser and how you can donate, visit easi-fresno.org.

For more information on the Valley Caregiver Resource Center and the programs they offer, visit http://valleycrc.org/.