Tuesday morning around two dozen senior citizens at Richmond Senior Center on St. Croix learned about elder abuse and how to get help if abuse is suspected. Sisters from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held the workshop as part of the sorority’s campaign to prevent senior abuse.
“The whole point is nobody should be abused – especially our seniors,” said Etta Mitchell, the chapter president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. “We’re here to raise awareness so, if something happens, you know what to do and where to go for help.”
Mitchell defined senior abuse is a single or repeated act that causes harm physically and emotionally.
She said the signs of abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual and can include exploitation, neglect and abandonment. Mitchell described how each one of the signs can be recognized.
Sorority sisters Michelle Gibbs, Losika Molyneaux and Nicole Christian put on skits so the seniors could get a better understanding of simple things that can be considered abusive.
“Elder abuse can happen anywhere,” Mitchell said. “It happens at home, nursing homes, hospitals and out in public. And anyone can be an abuser – caregivers and family members.” She added that statistics from the National Adult Protective Services show the largest number of abusers are the adult children of the elderly.
Esther Sweeney, district manager of the Office of Adult Protective Services in the Department of Human Services, gave statistics of abuse on St. Croix. She said that in 2012 her department had 25 calls reporting suspected abuse and so far this year there have been 17 calls. 
Sweeney said the department has 24 hours to respond to the calls. She told the audience members if they call to give the name of the person abused, an address and good directions. They also want the name of the alleged perpetrator.
Mitchell gave a checklist of basic needs that seniors should get from caregivers such as enough to eat and drink, pain relief, hygiene, respect, and feeling safe and secure. She told the seniors that if they suspect abuse to write down what is happening, call a trusted person and call the authorities. She said to call 911 or the Department of Human Services at 340-773-2323.
Mitchell suggested that seniors plan for the future and always communicate with their caregivers. “Be careful. There are unscrupulous people who target seniors,” she said. “There are people who exploit elders.”
Mitchell suggested that seniors keep in touch with others and not to stay isolated. She said the senior center is a perfect place to stay connected.
Gloria McGivney, a 92-year-old retired nurse, said that in her 42 years of nursing she saw her share of abuse cases.
“This program was very good and very informative for the elderly,” McGivney said. “It’s refreshing to have programs like this.”
McGivney’s friend Palmyra Benjamin also said the program was informative. “I’m happy I came here today,” Benjamin said, adding that she learned a lot.
The seniors actively took part in the program, asking questions and making comments. They played a game of tic-tac-toe answering questions on what they learned about abuse.
The sorority is a service organization that offers workshops, feeds the homeless, mentors girls from 4- to 18-years-old, and volunteers for the American Cancer Society.
