Abused elderly now have safe haven

EAST GREENWICH, R.I.—The Saint Elizabeth Community in East Greenwich is offering a new program that will be a safe haven for the abused elderly.

Deb Debare, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said those who are elderly and abused have few if any places to find safety.

“Our six member agencies served 315 clients over the age of 60 last year, not all in shelters, but we recognized this program is opening up the door to most needy elders, particularly frail elders,“ Debare said.

Steven Horowitz, the president and CEO of St. Elizabeth, said he attended a national conference on elderly concerns and heard of a program similar to the one St. Elizabeth is starting now.

“In Rhode Island, safe havens for abuse victims are not equipped for the frail elderly,“ he said.

An abused elderly person will be able to stay at St. Elizabeth’s for up to 30 days.