About Rise Above Crime
Rise Above Crime is here to support adults age 50 or older in Knox County who have experienced abuse or victimization. This can include physical, sexual, or emotional harm, neglect or abandonment, financial exploitation, or fraud.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) explains elder abuse as: “Intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that cause—or may cause—harm to a vulnerable older adult.”
Abuse Can Take Many Forms, Such As:
- Physical: Causing pain or injury
- Sexual: Any unwanted sexual contact, especially when an older adult is unable to consent, is threatened, or is forced
- Emotional/Psychological: Verbal assaults, bullying, threats, harassment, or intimidation
- Confinement: Unnecessarily restraining or isolating someone, except for medical reasons
- Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, or medical care
- Deprivation: Withholding medicine, care, food, shelter, or necessary assistance, putting someone at risk of harm
- Financial Exploitation: Misusing or taking an older adult’s money, property, or resources
If You Suspect Abuse,
Don’t Ignore It.
Stat: 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. (Source: National Council on Aging)
Most cases of elder abuse are never reported. Don’t assume someone else has already spoken up—and don’t worry about having to prove it yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, report what you see or know, and let the authorities take it from there.
Report Elder Abuse 24/7
Adult Protective Services
Make a report via telephone or online:
1 (888) 277-8366
TTY: 1 (800) 270-1349
reportadultabuse.dhs.tn.gov
Knoxville Police Department
Call the Special Crimes
Unit at (865) 215-6810
Knox County Sheriff’s Office
Unit at (865) 215-6820
Contact Rise Above Crime
Call (865) 524-2786 or email knoxooa@knoxseniors.org.
Elder Abuse Resources
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) & East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability
Provides emergency services and coordination of services and supports for older and vulnerable adult victims of crime as well as additional programs.
Family Justice Center
Provides safety planning, Orders of Protection, danger assessment, prosecution, and language interpretation to victims of a crime.
McNabb Center Victim Services
Provides outreach and counseling services, as well as safe housing and crisis help.
YWCA Victim Services
Provides safety planning, danger assessments, court accompaniment, Orders of Protection, community education, support groups, transitional housing, and linkage to resources. Bilingual and culturally specific advocates are available.