The Retreat is launching the Abuse in Later Life (ALL) program in Suffolk County—a first-of-its-kind initiative in this region focused on supporting individuals aged 50 and older who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, neglect, or exploitation.
In partnership with Sepa MUJER, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Riverhead Police Department, EAC Network, and the Suffolk County Sheriff, the ALL program offers a coordinated, trauma-informed response to the unique challenges older adults face.
Led by our Retreat Project Coordinator, the program has four core goals:
- Expanding support services tailored to older survivors
- Strengthening collaboration across community agencies
- Providing professional training on elder abuse
- Building a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) team
“The Abuse Later in Life program is a critical new initiative for Suffolk County. Our community members who are ages 50+ face gaps in services for domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault,” said Sarah Samson, Project Coordinator of Abuse Later in Life. “As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we take proactive steps to protect their dignity, safety, and well-being. By offering specialized outreach, services and training for professionals, this program helps to empower our communities and ensure that no one suffers in silence.”
This fall, The Retreat will host a kickoff event to introduce the CCR team and outline how professionals and community members can get involved. If you’re interested in joining, receiving training, or attending the event, call 631-761-8518 ext. 314 or email ssamson@theretreatinc.org.
Need help now? Call The Retreat’s 24-hour hotline at (631) 329-2200. Our trained crisis hotline responders provide trauma-informed support, safety planning and resources for children, adults and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
This project was supported by, 15JOVW-24-GK-01593-ALLX awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
