Action for Older Persons
Action for Older Persons (AOP) is an innovative and visionary organization that enhances the lives of adults living in Broome, Delaware, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego and Tioga counties. Through our classes, seminars, counseling sessions, and advocacy, AOP volunteers and staff impact the lives of thousands of people each year.
Action for Older Persons’ vision is to be the area’s leading resource for information to improve quality of life for older adults.
Action for Older Persons provides advocacy, individualized counseling, and unbiased information to empower older adults and their families to make informed decisions.
AOP is a private, non-profit, United Way member agency which was founded in 1967.
We are continuing our Annual Membership Drive. Choosing to become a member will help you gain access to personal benefits and help support and expand AOP’s program and services. We are hoping to increase total memberships and donations this year in order to provide opportunities for our members and all of those we serve. Please consider helping us reach our goal.
Domestic Violence is an issue that touches the lives of many individuals and families. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is crucial to recognize how seniors are impacted, and what avenues are available for support. Despite the stereotypical depiction of an abuse victim, the National Council on Aging states “Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse”.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive, harmful behavior with the purpose of controlling the other person in the relationship. It takes on various forms. Physical violence is any act that causes bodily harm. Emotional abuse is attacking someone verbally, which overtime damages their self-esteem or perception of one’s worth. Sexual violence includes coercing someone to engage in sexual acts. Financial abuse is another component, including taking advantage of somebody else’s money, property or resources. Even without physical force, abusers can use tactics such as isolation, threats, and intimidation to instill fear and control. Words, when used in a degrading manner, are enough to make a person feel unsafe.
A common question people ask is why the person experiencing the violence doesn’t just leave their partner. There are multiple factors that make leaving a difficult, as well as daunting, process. Ideas about gender roles, religious or familial pressure to keep a marriage intact, fear of not being taken seriously if one were to reach out for help, feelings of helplessness or vulnerability, and retaliation from the abusive partner are only a few reasons that permit domestic violence to continue. It is never the victim’s fault. Seniors are at an extreme risk especially if they are dependent on their partner to take care of them or are unaware of the options available to assist them.
A pivotal part of achieving safety is connecting survivors to community resources. For the month of October, as a part of our awareness campaign, different partner agencies of the Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council, including Action for Older Persons, will have butterfly stickers placed in their offices. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call Rise at 607-748-7453, Crime Victims Assistance Center at 607-722-4256, Adult Protective Services at 607-778-2642 or the Family Violence Prevention Council at 607-778-2153. The New York State Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Hotline is 1-800-942-6906. You are not alone.
Click this link to download the Poinsettia Order Form
To donate to our organization click the button below: