Dedicated staff at the Area Agency on Aging IIIC serve victims of elder and dependent adult abuse, neglect and/or exploitation through a person-centered and trauma-informed approach.
The Services to Victims of Elder Abuse Program offers support and services such as personal and criminal advocacy, referrals to community organizations, emergency financial assistance and much more.
All services are provided free of charge, regardless of client ability to pay for services rendered or the availability of insurance or other third-party payment resources. Area Agency on Aging (IIIC) must comply with federal laws and MDHHS contract provisions that prohibit discriminiation on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, partisan considerations or genetic information.
Any victim of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation who is age 60 or older who resides in St. Joseph or Branch County
Any victim of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation who is 18 or older and is dependent on others due to disability who resides in St. Joseph or Branch County
NEGLECT
Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food or medical aids
FINANCIAL
Lack of items the victim can afford
Unusual spending and/or gift giving in large sums
Purchasing of gift cards to pay for services
Involved in an online relationship where the other person is requesting gifts or money
PHYSICAL/SEXUAL
Unexplained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores or burns
Unexplained sexually transmitted infections
EMOTIONAL/MENTAL
Unexplained changes in behavior
Caregiver/family isolates elder/dependent adult
Caregiver/family is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling or uncaring
The Victim Assistance Program at Area Agency on Aging Region IIIC can assist with any type of victimization. This victim-centered program focuses on supporting the victim’s goals and needs. Anyone over the age of 60 or ages 18-59 with a disability, who reside in either Branch or St. Joseph County may seek assistance. If you are unsure of what resources you are needing or have questions, please feel free to call our victim specialist at 517-278-2538.
“I think it’s a darn good program. Great people. They did everything they said they were going to do. I think the police and you guys (victim specialists) did a great job and helped me so much. I think it was handled pretty darn good.” - Ron W.
“I suddenly realized in the midst of that interview...I was not alone, that this happened to many many people, so many that they had formed a governmental department to combat it...it saved my life." - Mary F.
“It’s been awesome, I wish more people knew about you. Since I found out about you there’s been a lot more resources I’ve found out about. It worked out wonderful, ya know?” - Rex N.
