Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
For 24-hour referrals to resources (such as shelter and other basic needs) contact Vermont 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
EMERGENCIES: If you are having an emergency, dial 9-1-1 for emergency services and police.
To explore other resources on your own, follow the links below.
Finding Help: Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect in Later Life
This is a guide created by the state of Vermont that explains the different kinds of elder abuse and exploitation. It also describes the nonprofit programs and services available in Vermont to support older individuals experiencing abuse/exploitation. Lastly, it informs readers about how to report elder abuse/exploitation for government investigation and response. The guide is available here.
https://ago.vermont.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/HelpGuide.pdf
Victim Assistance
Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services provides services for victims whether or not the crime is reported or prosecuted. Vermont Adult Protective Services investigates reports of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, maintains a registry of founded cases and assesses for social service needs. The Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman investigates reports that occur in long-term care facilities and advocate for resident rights. The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation protects consumers of financial services from unfair and unlawful business practices. The Community Restorative Justice Center will work with both alleged victims and alleged perpetrators to resolve conflict through intervention strategies that address accountability, remorse, and anger to restore civic harmony and social engagement.
Domestic Violence Advocacy and Assistance
Several non-profit organizations provide counseling/support, temporary safe shelter referrals, inter-agency referrals and legal advocacy services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, harassment and stalking. In Windsor County those organizations include WISE, Safeline and Women’s Freedom Center; the Pride Center of Vermont also serves these LGBTQ+ victims statewide.
Legal Help
Vermont Legal Aid can assist with filing Relief from Abuse Petitions, housing and benefits issues as well as many other legal issues. The Senior Law Project of Vermont Legal Aid focuses on the legal needs of older adults. Disability Rights Vermont provides a broad range of advocacy and litigation services for people with disabilities of all ages.
