tragedies that fall upon many households in Bermuda. Much of it stems originally from one form of violence or abuse, (abuse is no respecter of persons.) The Physical Abuse Centre has recently dealt with a case where a lady in her senior years came to our emergency shelter for help, after being put out of her family accommodations. In one sense, she was fortunate despite her circumstances, because we do not take in those who are not victims of domestic violence. Our mandate is to provide safe refuge for victims of abuse and their families. Although this was not the usual type of domestic violence to which we respond, it was nonetheless tempered with violent thought.

With no children and her only sibling living abroad, the client was left not knowing what to do, with no place to turn. We soon learned there had been repeated incidents of mental cruelty which finally resulted in her cold-hearted eviction. She was only a victim of emotional and mental abuse.

This is the Year of the Older Person. Who would have thought a case such as this could occur? Our client had not been financially dependent on her family. Rather she was a vibrant, independent contributing member of the household. Suffering a delicate medical condition, our client fell ill while at the Physical Abuse Centre Safe House. After getting medical attention she had no choice but to come back to us. However this historical drama of unfairness and mental cruelty was about to come to an end.

We were finally able to make contact with a distant relative. The two had shared holiday get-togethers and other family events in the past and they shared a good relationship. Our widowed client now has a support system in a much more humane and emotionally stable environment. Now they are looking for a place nearby for our client to stay so she can enjoy confidence. She believes once again there are people who really care, unlike the characters of her past.

These issues never end. This week an elderly widow, next week a young mother.

The Physical Abuse Centre is always in need of accommodation as people find their feet and move on from our shelter.

This, sadly, is a true reflection of today's society. With nowhere else to turn for immediate relief, people of all ages regularly rely on private charity agencies to see them through. Cases such as this make our role in the community so important but we cannot be left with the total burden of caring for those in need. The priority of caring for others in being shuffled lower and lower toward the bottom of the deck.

We need to respond to the misfortunes of others without expecting something in return, other than God's blessings. Evaluate your individual position. Are you a part of the problem? Should the blame lay at the feet of another? How do you expect to be treated? We all prefer a story with a happy ending but imagine how this tale would have ended without the intervention of The Physical Abuse Centre? The Physical Abuse Centre is a part of the Family Resource Network, which also consists of The Coalition for the Protection of Children, The Institute of Child & Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and the Father's Resource Centre. The agencies joined in 1998 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision. If you are aware of anyone open to sharing accommodations, please contact the Physical Abuse Centre, 292-43366.