October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to support survivors, remember those lost to abuse, and help communities recognize violence that too often happens behind closed doors. Silent Voices United Inc.’s ReadQuest Book Fair brings this message to Harlem: Love should never hurt. Support survivors. You are not alone.

This month, we are shining a light on older adults. Domestic violence does not end at retirement age. Abuse by a spouse or intimate partner may continue for decades or begin later in life. Seniors may also experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation by adult children, relatives, caregivers, or others they trust.

Abuse is not always visible. It can include physical or sexual violence, threats, humiliation, isolation, withholding essential care, or controlling someone’s money. No older adult should have to exchange their safety, dignity, or independence for companionship or care.

The numbers show why awareness matters.

• The CDC estimates that about 1 in 10 older adults living at home experience abuse, including neglect and exploitation. (cdc.gov⁠)

• The New York State Office for the Aging estimates that 300,000 older New Yorkers are victimized annually by elder abuse. (aging.ny.gov⁠)

• In a June 2025 awareness announcement, New York State officials cited an estimate that only about 1 in 24 elder abuse cases is reported to adult protective services or law enforcement. (aging.ny.gov⁠)

These figures describe elder abuse broadly; they are not statistics solely about violence by a spouse or intimate partner. They nevertheless reveal how many older adults may be suffering without their communities knowing.

Older survivors can face difficult barriers to seeking help. They may depend on an abusive partner for housing, income, transportation, or daily care. Fear of homelessness, isolation, or losing essential support can make leaving especially complicated. Shame and pressure to keep family matters private may also keep survivors silent. The National Domestic Violence Hotline emphasizes that abuse can begin or persist in later life—and that help remains available. (thehotline.org⁠)

Awareness should lead to compassionate action. Listen without judgment, respect an older person’s choices, and help them connect with appropriate support. The CDC encourages community members to check in on isolated seniors and learn to recognize signs of abuse. (cdc.gov⁠)

Support our book fair. Help bring holiday joy to seniors.

The ReadQuest Book Fair is also a fundraiser for Silent Voices United Inc.’s Pre-Thanksgiving and Christmas Senior Holiday Dine-In Cinema at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, 233 West 125th Street in Harlem.

Our holiday program aims to bring 500 seniors together for dinner, live jazz, bingo, a holiday movie, and fellowship. Young people will serve and wait on seniors, creating opportunities to practice kindness, responsibility, and respect while building connections across generations.

These gatherings are a way to honor our elders and remind them that they are valued, remembered, and included. Supporting the fundraiser helps us create welcoming holiday experiences filled with food, entertainment, and community.

Visit the ReadQuest Book Fair

Center for Community Enrichment
Located in Canaan Baptist Church
125 West 115th Street, New York, NY 10026

Hours: Every day except Friday, 10 AM–3 PM.

• FREE: Mixed hardcover and paperback adult books.
• $2 suggested donation per book: Children’s literature, young adult, African American, and holiday books.

Our fundraising goal is $10,000. Just 320 people donating $31.25 each can help us reach it. Support the book fair, invite a friend, or donate directly:

Donate to the Senior Holiday Dine-In Cinema⁠

Need support? Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit TheHotline.org⁠. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. (thehotline.org⁠)

Together, let’s stand with survivors and show our seniors the care and respect they deserve.

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