PhotoLuminations

The front page story, by Rick Foster, is headlined: Bullying at any age: Experts say aggression by seniors against other seniors is a growing problem—and it's being felt in Attleboro Foster details specific instances of bullying in Attleboro senior housing.

How three women escaped

Not from kidnap and rape, but from bullying which is bad enough. Bullies target differences and vulnerability. Three women living with disability in HUD-subsidized housing were bullied—Margaret, in Massachusetts; Christie, in Washington; and Jennifer in Wisconsin. Margaret got evicted and lives in a shelter, Christie managed to buy a home, and Jennifer found a well-managed residence. Their lives are transformed, they feel good again, and they experience hope and peace—even living in a shelter is better than being bullied.

Workplace bullying is similar to bullying that takes place in subsidized housing developments. Mediation is not appropriate in either situation.

A victory and a beginning. The STOP BULLYING COMMITTEE has introduced a bill to stop bullying to the Massachusetts Legislature. SD01635 A bill to protect residents of subsidized housing developments from bullying; bullying prevention policies and plans; research and demonstration programs.

Guest post: Mary shares her ideas with Jerry

Hi, Jerry,

I just came across this really awesome idea for senior housing, that is more community-creating, healing and health-supporting, homey and comfortable,

An act stopping the bullying of residents of multi-family residences, with attention to elders and persons living with disabilities residing in subsidized housing.

Introduction

Mary lives in a city close to the Pacific Ocean. She has been forced by abuse and bullying to move several times in a vain attempt to find a peaceful home in subsidized housing. Despite her pain and frustration, she bravely continues to seek solutions.

To create a virtual peer-to-peer support network to combat bullying of seniors

• To provide meaningful peer support for seniors living with bullying in subsidized housing for the elderly and disabled. Including practical ways to empower seniors to protect themselves and to advocate for themselves: we will seek to provide support, information and education, and to share tested ideas.

A petition for legislation, administrative rules, and oversight to correct the abuse

Introduction

Elders living in subsidized residences frequently are subject to abuse, harassment, and bullying by other residents and/or by staff. Residents in these out-of-control buildings are constantly under siege from bullying, causing them to suffer from stress and related conditions such as depression, high-blood pressure, stroke, and possibly suicide, and have nowhere to turn for relief. This is a petition seeking legislative and administrative remedies. Please join and help make a difference.

This is a case study of conflict in a building for elderly residents, managed under HUD programs.