Survivor Leaders Ava, Monica, Joan, and Sandra from Sanctuary for Families / Gibney Dance performed at the closing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence event. Held at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, the event was hosted by DFTA, the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and the NYC Commission on Gender Equity to raise awareness for gender-based violence and elder abuse.

Many older adults are afraid to report incidents of elder abuse, because those inflicting the abuse may be family members, caretakers or significant others. Only 1 in 24 cases are reported to a social services provider or law enforcement.

These stats were brought to life through the Survivor Leader's stories. "It's so hard to fathom a person that professes to love you with one voice, and is hurting you at the same time," said Sandra, as she expressed her painful experience through movement on stage.

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, call 311 to reach DFTA’s community-based elder abuse programs.