A call originally dispatched as a medical emergency quickly took a darker turn once first responders learned the woman’s injuries didn’t come from a fall at all.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, EMS crews arrived at a home and discovered the incident appeared to be the result of domestic violence rather than an accident. Deputies then responded to the scene, where they met a woman who told them she had been assaulted during an argument with her husband.
The woman said the confrontation began when she asked her husband to pick up items he had knocked over. She told deputies he became enraged, grabbed her by the hair, and punched her in the face. She said he then shoved her onto a chair, pushed her to the floor, and kneed her in the chest and ribs.
According to the report, she said that when she asked him to help her up, he told her to “die” and repeated that he hoped she would die. She said he left the residence afterward, allowing her to use her medical alert device to summon help.
Deputies noted she did not have visible new injuries from that day’s incident but did show bruising from earlier altercations — including marks on her chest and arm she said occurred days prior.
Although the woman did not wish to press charges, she provided a written statement. Deputies explained that a report would be forwarded to the prosecutor for review and provided her with a victim’s rights packet. The suspect was not at the scene and has not yet been located. Affidavits have been prepared should prosecutors decide to proceed.
Domestic Violence and Older Adults: A Hidden Crisis
Advocates say abuse involving older adults often goes unreported or overlooked. Seniors may minimize injuries, fear losing independence, or rely heavily on the person hurting them for financial or daily care. Incidents may also be misinterpreted as “falls” or medical issues, allowing patterns of abuse to continue unchecked. Experts urge neighbors, caregivers, and family members to take any signs of unexplained bruising, isolation, or sudden behavior changes seriously, and encourage older victims to seek help even if they feel trapped or ashamed.
