The 30th Judicial District Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Alliance, Inc. has recently been awarded a $25,000 Janirve Legacy Fund Grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to further its work on elder abuse and victims with disabilities in the region.

Since 2005, the Elder SAFE program has provided training and collaboration with social service organizations and the public in the seven westernmost counties to aid in identifying victims and directing them to available resources. The program received a 2010 Award of Excellence from the N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission.

Elder abuse is an underreported crime and has become a huge problem. For every elder abuse case reported another 23 cases go unreported. People with disabilities also have a greater risk for abuse and neglect.