Family members or caretakers can hurt us in many ways and at any age, whether we are sick or healthy. We can be hurt through physical, emotional and financial abuse or neglect.

Abuse can happen to anybody. It doesn't matter where we live, what race we are or what income or religious group we belong to, someone we love or have trusted can hurt us.

Some of the ways family members or caretakers can hurt us:

• Control what we do, who see or where we go;
• Threaten to leave or institutionalize us;
• Call us names;
• Steal money, medication or other things from us;
• Hurt our pets;
• Hit, shake, push, burn or choke us.

Is there a pattern?

When family members or caretakers hurt us over and over again, it may indicate a desire to have power and control over us, to limit or influence what we say and do, and to take advantage of us to get our money, property, possessions or medicines. This type of abuse in later life is domestic abuse, even if it isn't committed by a spouse or intimate partner.

Will the abuse stop by itself?

Most types of abuse tend to get worse over time without some outside help to stop it.

Hope and help are in reach.

Hope Harbor Home provides services and addresses family violence issues affecting people who are age 50 and older. Our service, which are free and confidential, include:

• Information and referrals
• Counseling
• Safety planning
• Support group
• Outreach
• Emergency shelter