Collaborative Response to Elder and Vulnerable

Adult Abuse (CREVAA)

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WHAT SERVICES DOES CREVAA PROVIDE?

 

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD), in conjunction with the Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAADs)  will develop and implement the Collaborative Response to Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse (CREVAA) program in Tennessee.  The CREVAA Program will address the unmet needs arising as a result of a crime of elder and vulnerable adult victims of crime by providing local advocates in each AAAD area who will ensure the provision of direct services to victims.  The CREVAA program works with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, District Attorneys, and other aging service providers.

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The CREVAA program will:  

• Respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims; 

• Assist victims of crime to stabilize their lives after victimization; and  

• Assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, as well as provide victims of crime with a measure of safety and security such as boarding up broken windows and replacing or repairing locks. 

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HOW DO I REFER SOMEONE TO CREVAA?

 

The CREVAA program works with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, District Attorneys, and other aging service providers, who provide the referrals directly. If you know a vulnerable adult who has been a victim of a crime (with valid police report filed) that was not referred to CREVAA, you may ask the law enforcement department that was in charge of the case for a referral.

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ARE THERE A LOT OF ELDERLY CRIME VICTIMS?

 

Elder-abuse cases are more prevalent than we would like to believe. CREVAA clients are referred for assistance by law enforcement, the court system, or Adult Protective Services. Below are the breakdown of assistance by county provided in the past two years.

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                                                 2019                               2020

Carter                                     4                                      2

Greene                                   6                                      4

Hancock                                0                                      1

Hawkins                                0                                      3

Johnson                                 14                                    10

Sullivan                                 67                                    66

Unicoi                                     1                                      2

Washington                          37                                    49

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TOTAL                                    129                                  137

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RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION

 

Elder abuse is much more common than we like to think. If you visit an older friend or relative, always pay attention to their physical and mental state. If you notice any of the following signs, ask the individual about them. 

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• Stops taking part in activities he or she enjoys

• Looks messy, with unwashed hair or dirty clothes

• Has trouble sleeping

• Loses weight for no reason

• Becomes withdrawn or acts agitated or violent

• Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth

• Has unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars

• Has broken eyeglasses/frames, or physical signs of punishment or being restrained

• Develops bed sores or other preventable conditions

• Lacks medical aids (glasses, walker, dentures, hearing aid, medications)

• Has an eviction notice for unpaid rent, notice of late mortgage, or home eviction

• Has hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions

• Displays signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources

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Elder abuse is a mandatory-reporting crime. If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact Adult Protective Services at

1-888-277-8366 or through their secure website at https://reportadultabuse.dhs.tn.gov/. Reports may be made anonymously.

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