WCH Special Needs Program-

Programming for women in mid-life or with special needs. You are not alone!

Like younger victims of domestic abuse older adults may be subjected to a pattern of abusive behavior in their relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is domestic abuse in later life?

A. Abuse occurs when an older person has been subjected to a
pattern of coercive control and abuse by a family member or someone with whom they have an intimate, ongoing relationship. The abuse is directed at restricting independent thoughts and actions so the victim will become devoted to fulfilling the needs of the perpetrator.

Q. What are some scenarios of domestic abuse in later life?

A.The scenarios are domestic abuse grown old, new abusive relationships, family member abuse, caregiver abuse, and late onset abuse.

Q.Is a person required to leave their controlling
relationship in order to access Women and Children’s Horizons (WCH) older domestic abuse programming?

A. No! One-third of the older clients are staying in their
relationships, one-third are leaving, one-third are undecided as to what to do next.

Q. What type of services are available to older clients?

A.The services available include: counseling through
one-on-one contacts and hotline crisis calls, support
groups, emergency shelter, and accompaniment of
clients through medical, legal, and court proceedings.

Q. Does Women and Children’s Horizons serve people with
disabilities?

A. Yes, we do. People with disabilities are more likely to be abused for a longer duration and usually by more than one person. WCH provides the same services mentioned above but may also include home visits, obtaining an interpreter, and other tailored means of assistance.

For a downloadable Special Needs brochure click here.

For more information please call Bev at 262.656.3500 or email bsorensen@wchkenosha.org

Mission Statement
"The mission of Women and Children's Horizons is to provide support, education, training and healing for victims of sexual and domestic violence/abuse."