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Older Victims

Older adults who experience victimization often have a hard time navigating the criminal justice system and getting the help and services they need. Older individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect; domestic or intimate partner violence; property crimes; and financial crimes. Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Elder abuse may include abuse that is physical, emotional/psychological (including threats), or sexual; neglect (including abandonment); and financial exploitation. This is a general definition; state definitions of elder abuse vary. Some definitions may also include fraud, scams, or financial crimes targeted at older people. 

 

The effects of victimization can be devastating for older victims of crime. The following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to crimes against elderly individuals. 


OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229.
This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme DVD 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 240784.
Part of the NCVRW Resource Guide, this DVD includes a 5-minute feature video —New Challenges. New Solutions. —and three 30-second television public service announcements (PSAs) that address the topics of child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder abuse. OVC encourages organizations to use the introductory theme DVD throughout the year at public awareness, education, and training events in local communities to promote and advance the cause of justice for victims of crime.
Abstract | HTML
 
2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Poster (October 2012) OVC, PS000025.
The 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) theme poster is available for download in 11" x 17" in color and black and white and can be customized for your organization before printing. You also may order the 22" x 28" color version, which features the theme colors of blue and black through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) by visiting www.ncjrs.gov.
PDF (Color) | PDF (Black & White)
 
Nursing Response to Elder Mistreatment Curriculum (2010) OVC-Sponsored, 12 pages, NCJ 234185.
Developed by the International Association of Forensic Nurses and funded by OVC, the goal of this course is to help nurses acquire essential knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to elder mistreatment.
Abstract | HTML
 
Responding to Elder Abuse: What Law Enforcement Should Know (DVD) (August 2010) OVC, OVC Videos, 0 pages, NCJ 223413.
This 15-minute video (NCJ 223413) is one of a series of three DVDs on elder abuse created for specific audiences. The video describes what law enforcement officers can do when they encounter elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in residences, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities. It includes basic information about locating appropriate referral resources for intervention and support for the older abuse victim, following mandatory reporting laws, and working collaboratively with other organizations.
Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | Video (.wmv Video Clip) | Video (.mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 

OJP Publications

People with Dementia as Witnesses to Emotional Events (April 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 30 pages, NCJ 234132.
Elderly person with dementia are often the only witnesses to crimes against them, such as physical or financial elder abuse, yet they are disparaged and discounted as unreliable. Clinical experience with this population indicates that significant emotional experiences may be salient to people with dementia, and that certain behaviors and characteristics enhance their credibility as historians. This is the first systematic research to identify people with dementia with reliable emotional memory and their characteristics.
Abstract | PDF
 
Course of Domestic Abuse among Chicago's Elderly: Risk Factors, Protective Behaviors, and Police Intervention (December 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 132 pages, NCJ 232623.
This study examines if and how risk factors and protective behaviors affect the course of abuse over time, and the role of the police in intervening with elderly victims of domestic abuse and/or neglect.
Abstract | PDF
 
Elder Abuse Emerges From the Shadows of Public Consciousness (April 2010) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 229883.
This article reports on two studies sponsored by the National Institute of Justice that examined the prevalence of elder abuse and its detection through the forensic examination of the difference between accidental and inflicted bruising. The article concludes with descriptions of elder abuse cases in which prosecutors and victim-witness advocates have cooperated in gaining convictions of perpetrators of elder abuse.

Part Of the NIJ Journal Series Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
Prosecuting Elder Abuse Cases (April 2010) NIJ, NIJ Journal, 2 pages, NCJ 229884.
This article provides an overview of State laws that pertain to elder abuse and identifies the factors that improve or impede the successful prosecution of such cases.

Part Of the NIJ Journal Series Abstract | PDF
 
The Nexus Between Economics and Family Violence: The Expected Impact of Recent Economic Declines on the Rates and Patterns of Intimate, Child and Elder Abuse (March 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 45 pages, NCJ 229913.
This study reviews the research on the extent to which one or more economic dimensions (income, employment status, or status incompatibility) are at least minimally correlated with one or more variations of family violence (intimate partner abuse, child abuse, or elder abuse).
Abstract | PDF
 

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Older adults who experience victimization often have a hard time navigating the criminal justice system and getting the help and services they need. Older individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect; domestic or intimate partner violence; property crimes; and financial crimes. Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Elder abuse may include abuse that is physical, emotional/psychological (including threats), or sexual; neglect (including abandonment); and financial exploitation. This is a general definition; state definitions of elder abuse vary. Some definitions may also include fraud, scams, or financial crimes targeted at older people. 

 

The effects of victimization can be devastating for older victims of crime. The following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to crimes against elderly individuals. 


Older adults who experience victimization often have a hard time navigating the criminal justice system and getting the help and services they need. Older individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect; domestic or intimate partner violence; property crimes; and financial crimes. Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Elder abuse may include abuse that is physical, emotional/psychological (including threats), or sexual; neglect (including abandonment); and financial exploitation. This is a general definition; state definitions of elder abuse vary. Some definitions may also include fraud, scams, or financial crimes targeted at older people. 

 

The effects of victimization can be devastating for older victims of crime. The following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to crimes against elderly individuals. 


Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Jul 21 2010 at 2:00PM, Betty Malks, board member of the National Adult Protective Services Association, and Angela DeLeon, coordinator of the People’s United Bank Masters Program, hosted a discussion on Serving Older Victims of Financial Abuse

On Nov 4 2009 at 2:00PM, Melissa Riley, manager of the Counseling and Faith-Based Services for Crime Victims in Indian Country Training and Technical Assistance Project for Un, hosted a discussion on Serving Elder Abuse Victims in Indian Country

On Jun 18 2008 at 2:00PM, Bonnie Brandl, M.S.W., Director of the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, and Jane Raymond, M.S., Advocacy and Protection Systems Developer for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, hosted a discussion on Assisting Victims of Domestic Abuse in Later Life

On Mar 22 2006 at 2:00PM, Lisa Nerenberg, who has been involved in elder abuse prevention for more than 20 years and is a consultant for organizations nationwide, hosted a discussion on Elder Abuse

Older adults who experience victimization often have a hard time navigating the criminal justice system and getting the help and services they need. Older individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect; domestic or intimate partner violence; property crimes; and financial crimes. Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Elder abuse may include abuse that is physical, emotional/psychological (including threats), or sexual; neglect (including abandonment); and financial exploitation. This is a general definition; state definitions of elder abuse vary. Some definitions may also include fraud, scams, or financial crimes targeted at older people. 

 

The effects of victimization can be devastating for older victims of crime. The following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to crimes against elderly individuals. 


How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211619?
The First Response to Victims of Crime DVD, NCJ 211619, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) video, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211618?
The First Response to Victims of Crime VHS, NCJ 211618, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) First Response to Victims of Crime Guidebook, NCJ 231171?
The First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers, NCJ 231171, which ... Read More

Aside from the police, to whom should elder abuse be reported?
A listing of State elder abuse hotlines is available on the National Center on Elder Abuse Web site.... Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?
Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr... Read More

More FAQs

Older adults who experience victimization often have a hard time navigating the criminal justice system and getting the help and services they need. Older individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect; domestic or intimate partner violence; property crimes; and financial crimes. Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Elder abuse may include abuse that is physical, emotional/psychological (including threats), or sexual; neglect (including abandonment); and financial exploitation. This is a general definition; state definitions of elder abuse vary. Some definitions may also include fraud, scams, or financial crimes targeted at older people. 

 

The effects of victimization can be devastating for older victims of crime. The following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to crimes against elderly individuals. 


No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities

Older adults who experience victimization often have a hard time navigating the criminal justice system and getting the help and services they need. Older individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect; domestic or intimate partner violence; property crimes; and financial crimes. Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Elder abuse may include abuse that is physical, emotional/psychological (including threats), or sexual; neglect (including abandonment); and financial exploitation. This is a general definition; state definitions of elder abuse vary. Some definitions may also include fraud, scams, or financial crimes targeted at older people. 

 

The effects of victimization can be devastating for older victims of crime. The following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to crimes against elderly individuals. 


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229. This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme DVD 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 240784. Part of the NCVRW Resource Guide, this DVD includes a 5-minute feature video —New Challenges. New Solutions. —and three 30-second television public service announcements (PSAs) that address the topics of child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder abuse. OVC encourages organizations to use the introductory theme DVD throughout the year at public awareness, education, and training events in local communities to promote and advance the cause of justice for victims of crime.
Abstract | HTML
 
2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Poster (October 2012) OVC, PS000025. The 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) theme poster is available for download in 11" x 17" in color and black and white and can be customized for your organization before printing. You also may order the 22" x 28" color version, which features the theme colors of blue and black through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) by visiting www.ncjrs.gov.
PDF (Color) | PDF (Black & White)
 
Nursing Response to Elder Mistreatment Curriculum (2010) OVC-Sponsored, 12 pages, NCJ 234185. Developed by the International Association of Forensic Nurses and funded by OVC, the goal of this course is to help nurses acquire essential knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to elder mistreatment.
Abstract | HTML
 
Responding to Elder Abuse: What Law Enforcement Should Know (DVD) (August 2010) OVC, OVC Videos, 0 pages, NCJ 223413. This 15-minute video (NCJ 223413) is one of a series of three DVDs on elder abuse created for specific audiences. The video describes what law enforcement officers can do when they encounter elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in residences, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities. It includes basic information about locating appropriate referral resources for intervention and support for the older abuse victim, following mandatory reporting laws, and working collaboratively with other organizations.
Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | Video (.wmv Video Clip) | Video (.mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 

OJP Publications

People with Dementia as Witnesses to Emotional Events (April 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 30 pages, NCJ 234132. Elderly person with dementia are often the only witnesses to crimes against them, such as physical or financial elder abuse, yet they are disparaged and discounted as unreliable. Clinical experience with this population indicates that significant emotional experiences may be salient to people with dementia, and that certain behaviors and characteristics enhance their credibility as historians. This is the first systematic research to identify people with dementia with reliable emotional memory and their characteristics.
Abstract | PDF
 
Course of Domestic Abuse among Chicago's Elderly: Risk Factors, Protective Behaviors, and Police Intervention (December 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 132 pages, NCJ 232623. This study examines if and how risk factors and protective behaviors affect the course of abuse over time, and the role of the police in intervening with elderly victims of domestic abuse and/or neglect.
Abstract | PDF
 
Elder Abuse Emerges From the Shadows of Public Consciousness (April 2010) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 229883. This article reports on two studies sponsored by the National Institute of Justice that examined the prevalence of elder abuse and its detection through the forensic examination of the difference between accidental and inflicted bruising. The article concludes with descriptions of elder abuse cases in which prosecutors and victim-witness advocates have cooperated in gaining convictions of perpetrators of elder abuse.
Part Of the NIJ Journal Series
Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
Prosecuting Elder Abuse Cases (April 2010) NIJ, NIJ Journal, 2 pages, NCJ 229884. This article provides an overview of State laws that pertain to elder abuse and identifies the factors that improve or impede the successful prosecution of such cases.
Part Of the NIJ Journal Series
Abstract | PDF
 
The Nexus Between Economics and Family Violence: The Expected Impact of Recent Economic Declines on the Rates and Patterns of Intimate, Child and Elder Abuse (March 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 45 pages, NCJ 229913. This study reviews the research on the extent to which one or more economic dimensions (income, employment status, or status incompatibility) are at least minimally correlated with one or more variations of family violence (intimate partner abuse, child abuse, or elder abuse).
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN operates a 24-hour telephone hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and an Online Hotline for victims of sexual assault. The secure web-based hotline provides a safe, secure, and anonymous place for victims to get help online. RAINN also works to promote education and prevention of sexual assault, compiles and shares links to Legal Resources, including the State Mandatory Regulations regarding children and the elderly.
 

Federal Resources

AgingStats.gov
The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics (Forum) was initially established in 1986, with the goal of bringing together Federal agencies that share a common interest in improving aging-related data. The Forum has played a key role by critically evaluating existing data resources and limitations, stimulating new database development, encouraging cooperation and data sharing among Federal agencies, and preparing collaborative statistical reports.
 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Eldercare Locator
This nationwide toll-free service (1-800-677-1116) helps older adults and their caregivers find local services for seniors, including home care, transportation, housing alternatives, home repair, recreation, social activities, and legal and other community services. The directory is a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.
 
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
NCEA is a resource for public and private agencies, professionals, service providers, and individuals interested in elder abuse prevention information, training, technical assistance, and research.
 
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)
NCJRS is a federally funded resource offering information on victimology and victim assistance, criminal justice, juvenile justice, information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide. NCJRS supplies the victim services field with resources, publications, and program information. The NCJRS library collection includes more than 30,000 resources relevant to the field.
 
NCJRS: Elder Abuse Special Feature
To address the need for resources and strategies related to elder abuse, NCJRS presents this compilation of publications and related materials focusing abuse by caregivers, domestic violence, fraud and financial abuse, along with additional information and resources.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

American Association for Retired Persons (AARP)
Besides providing services and benefits to its members, AARP is a strong advocate for the issues that are important to the 50+ population. The consumer issues unit deals with the rights and protection of older people.
 
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
NAELA provides information, education, networking, and assistance on the many specialized issues involved with legal services to the elderly and disabled.
 
National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)
NAPSA provides state Adult Protective Services program administrators and staff with a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult abuse.
 
National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
NCPEA is an association of researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates dedicated to protecting the safety, security, and dignity of America's elders.
 
National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence (NCCAFV)
NCCAFV provides intergenerational violence prevention services by bringing together community and national stakeholders, professionals and volunteers to prevent family violence, child abuse and neglect, spouse/partner abuse, and elder abuse.
 

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Web Forum Discussions

Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Jul 21 2010 at 2:00PM, Betty Malks, board member of the National Adult Protective Services Association, and Angela DeLeon, coordinator of the People’s United Bank Masters Program, hosted a discussion on Serving Older Victims of Financial Abuse

On Nov 4 2009 at 2:00PM, Melissa Riley, manager of the Counseling and Faith-Based Services for Crime Victims in Indian Country Training and Technical Assistance Project for Un, hosted a discussion on Serving Elder Abuse Victims in Indian Country

On Jun 18 2008 at 2:00PM, Bonnie Brandl, M.S.W., Director of the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, and Jane Raymond, M.S., Advocacy and Protection Systems Developer for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, hosted a discussion on Assisting Victims of Domestic Abuse in Later Life

On Mar 22 2006 at 2:00PM, Lisa Nerenberg, who has been involved in elder abuse prevention for more than 20 years and is a consultant for organizations nationwide, hosted a discussion on Elder Abuse


FAQs

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211619?
The First Response to Victims of Crime DVD, NCJ 211619, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) video, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211618?
The First Response to Victims of Crime VHS, NCJ 211618, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) First Response to Victims of Crime Guidebook, NCJ 231171?
The First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers, NCJ 231171, which ... Read More

Aside from the police, to whom should elder abuse be reported?
A listing of State elder abuse hotlines is available on the National Center on Elder Abuse Web site.... Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?
Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

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