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Elder Abuse/Mistreatment

  • Publications (34)
  • Resources (24)
  • Forum Discussions (5)
  • FAQs (4)
  • Funding (1)
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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 following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to the crime of elder abuse and mistreatment.

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Developing an Elder Abuse Case Review Multidisciplinary Team in Your Community (May 2017) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 4 pages, NCJ 250736.
This resource facilitates the development and growth of multidisciplinary teams to address elder abuse cases. It also provides information about team structures and functions, along with common issues that arise with developing a case review team.
Abstract | HTML
 
Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Final Report (May 2013) OVC, Report, 60 pages, NCJ 239957.
The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand the vision and impact of the crime victim assistance field. This Final Report provides a set of findings and broad recommendations, informed by stakeholder forums and literature reviews, that form a framework for strategic, transformative change. The Final Report outlines ways the field can overcome the obstacles it faces and change how it meets victims' needs and addresses those who perpetrate crime.
Abstract | PDF (Full Report) | PDF (Summary & Recommendations) | PDF (At a Glance Fact Sheet)
 
National Victim Assistance Academy Resource Paper: Elder Abuse (September 2012) OVC, OVC Training, 27 pages, NCJ 240568.
This Resource Paper is part of a series of National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Track 1: Foundation-Level Training documents covering eight topics. This paper includes statistics, definitions, impact/effects on victims, effective responses, and additional information designed to educate entry-level professionals and volunteers. Visit www.ovcttac.gov for additional NVAA training materials.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Series
 
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
 
In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life (August 2010) OVC, OVC Videos, 137 pages, NCJ 227928.
This two-DVD package and training guide (NCJ 227928) uses the voices of older victims to facilitate a dialog among a range of professionals about the dynamics of abuse, the barriers these victims have to overcome to live free from abuse, and interventions and potential collaborations that may be effective in such cases. In addition to individual segments with victims, family members, victim service providers, and allied professionals, the DVDs include several topical segments and a montage of victim and advocate voices designed for use by policymakers. It also includes an interactive role play between a parish nurse and an adult daughter caring for her father intended to help professionals recognize justifications for elder mistreatment. A trainer's guide, which accompanies these DVDs, provides background on the victims and discussion questions targeted at a variety of professional audiences.
Abstract | PDF (Trainer's Guide) | HTML (Transcript - Disc 1) | HTML (Transcript - Disc 2) | Video (Disc 1 .wmv Video Clip) | Video (Disc 1 .mov Video Clip) | Video (Disc 2 .wmv Video Clip) | Video (Disc 2 .mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 

OJP Publications

National Elder Mistreatment Survey: 5 Year Follow-up of Victims and Matched Non-Victims (2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 13 pages, NCJ 252029.
The purpose of this project was to follow the first National Elder Mistreatment Study, which provided prevalence estimates, with a second study of a subset of the same participants. This follow-up study measures the effects of elder abuse in terms of (1) health and mental health outcomes and (2) criminal justice system participation and satisfaction, as well as additional predictors of these effects. The enduring negative health and mental health effects of elder mistreatment, including financial mistreatment, were evident from 8-year follow-up data, although these effects appear to be mitigated, in large part, by current social support. Results from this study indicate that elder financial mistreatment perpetrated by family, friends, and acquaintances is far less likely to be reported than the same behaviors perpetrated by strangers.
Abstract | PDF
 
Social Support Can Diminish Negative Effects of Elder Abuse (December 2017) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 2 pages, NCJ 251468.
This article summarizes the findings of a series of studies that have identified the critical role of social support in preventing and ameliorating the adverse effects of elder abuse. These research findings may help inform how victim service providers and allied professionals respond to victims of elder abuse.
Abstract | PDF
 
Exploring Elder Financial Exploitation Victimization: Identifying Unique Risk Profiles and Factors To Enhance Detection, Prevention and Intervention (March 2017) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 65 pages, NCJ 250756.
This study explores risk factors across the socioecological framework (i.e. individual, perpetrator, and community-levels) to identify the most important factors that differentiate elder financial exploitation from other forms of abuse as well as pure versus hybrid financial exploitation.
Abstract | PDF
 
Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse: A Pocket Guide for Law Enforcement (2014) BJA-Sponsored, 58 pages, NCJ 248541.
This guide provides legal concepts, documents, and tools that may be misused to commit elder abuse or used properly to remedy it. Also presented are issues and actions that justice system professionals should consider if they suspect elder abuse has occurred.
Abstract | PDF
 
Understanding Elder Abuse: New Directions for Developing Theories of Elder Abuse Occurring in Domestic Settings (June 2013) NIJ, Summary, NIJ Research in Brief, 40 pages, NCJ 241731.
This report discusses findings from two NIJ studies of elder abuse in domestic settings. Compared to other areas of family violence, elder abuse has lagged in theory development and relied more on adapting existing theories from other fields. The authors describe the findings from the two studies in this context, emphasizing the importance of developing new theories of elder abuse and of looking critically at current theories to increase our understanding and guide future research.

Part Of the NIJ Research in Brief Series Abstract | PDF
 

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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 following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to the crime of elder abuse and mistreatment.

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 following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to the crime of elder abuse and mistreatment.

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 Jul 20 2016 at 2:00PM, Merry O'Brien, M.S.W., the Network for Victim Recovery of DC’s Identity Theft Assistance, and Paula Pierce, J.D., former Manager of Hotline Services for Texas Legal Services Center, hosted a discussion on Serving Victims of Financial Fraud and Fraud Prevention

On Jun 25 2015 at 2:00PM, Catherine Thurston, Senior Director of Services and Training at Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE),, hosted a discussion on Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ Community

On Dec 4 2013 at 2:00PM, Jeannie Beidler, Elder Advocate, and Shelly Jackson, OVC Visiting Fellow, hosted a discussion on Intersections Between Elder Financial Exploitation and Other Types of Abuse

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

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 following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to the crime of elder abuse and mistreatment.

How do I report elder abuse/exploitation?
If you or someone you know is in life-threatening danger, call 911. If the danger is not immediate, ... Read More

I am a crime victim, how can I get help?
Help in your area is available from your State/Local Victim Compensation and Assistance programs. As... 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

What is Vision 21?
The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand th... Read More

More FAQs

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 following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to the crime of elder abuse and mistreatment.
FY 2019 Transforming America’s Response to Elder Abuse: Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation (PDF 1,003 kb)
Deadline: 07/08/2019
OVC is seeking applications for funding to support the development and/or enhancement of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) and to strengthen the capacity of "enhanced MDTs" to better identify and respond to cases of abuse and more comprehensively serve and support victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation by also funding a National Elder Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Center. OVC conducted a pre-application webinar on June 17, 2019, and a recording and transcript of this webinar are available at www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html. Apply by July 8, 2019.

More Funding Opportunities

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 following resources are provided to help bring greater awareness to the crime of elder abuse and mistreatment.

Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Developing an Elder Abuse Case Review Multidisciplinary Team in Your Community (May 2017) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 4 pages, NCJ 250736. This resource facilitates the development and growth of multidisciplinary teams to address elder abuse cases. It also provides information about team structures and functions, along with common issues that arise with developing a case review team.
Abstract | HTML
 
Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Final Report (May 2013) OVC, Report, 60 pages, NCJ 239957. The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand the vision and impact of the crime victim assistance field. This Final Report provides a set of findings and broad recommendations, informed by stakeholder forums and literature reviews, that form a framework for strategic, transformative change. The Final Report outlines ways the field can overcome the obstacles it faces and change how it meets victims' needs and addresses those who perpetrate crime.
Abstract | PDF (Full Report) | PDF (Summary & Recommendations) | PDF (At a Glance Fact Sheet)
 
National Victim Assistance Academy Resource Paper: Elder Abuse (September 2012) OVC, OVC Training, 27 pages, NCJ 240568. This Resource Paper is part of a series of National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Track 1: Foundation-Level Training documents covering eight topics. This paper includes statistics, definitions, impact/effects on victims, effective responses, and additional information designed to educate entry-level professionals and volunteers. Visit www.ovcttac.gov for additional NVAA training materials.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Series
 
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
 
In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life (August 2010) OVC, OVC Videos, 137 pages, NCJ 227928. This two-DVD package and training guide (NCJ 227928) uses the voices of older victims to facilitate a dialog among a range of professionals about the dynamics of abuse, the barriers these victims have to overcome to live free from abuse, and interventions and potential collaborations that may be effective in such cases. In addition to individual segments with victims, family members, victim service providers, and allied professionals, the DVDs include several topical segments and a montage of victim and advocate voices designed for use by policymakers. It also includes an interactive role play between a parish nurse and an adult daughter caring for her father intended to help professionals recognize justifications for elder mistreatment. A trainer's guide, which accompanies these DVDs, provides background on the victims and discussion questions targeted at a variety of professional audiences.
Abstract | PDF (Trainer's Guide) | HTML (Transcript - Disc 1) | HTML (Transcript - Disc 2) | Video (Disc 1 .wmv Video Clip) | Video (Disc 1 .mov Video Clip) | Video (Disc 2 .wmv Video Clip) | Video (Disc 2 .mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 

OJP Publications

National Elder Mistreatment Survey: 5 Year Follow-up of Victims and Matched Non-Victims (2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 13 pages, NCJ 252029. The purpose of this project was to follow the first National Elder Mistreatment Study, which provided prevalence estimates, with a second study of a subset of the same participants. This follow-up study measures the effects of elder abuse in terms of (1) health and mental health outcomes and (2) criminal justice system participation and satisfaction, as well as additional predictors of these effects. The enduring negative health and mental health effects of elder mistreatment, including financial mistreatment, were evident from 8-year follow-up data, although these effects appear to be mitigated, in large part, by current social support. Results from this study indicate that elder financial mistreatment perpetrated by family, friends, and acquaintances is far less likely to be reported than the same behaviors perpetrated by strangers.
Abstract | PDF
 
Social Support Can Diminish Negative Effects of Elder Abuse (December 2017) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 2 pages, NCJ 251468. This article summarizes the findings of a series of studies that have identified the critical role of social support in preventing and ameliorating the adverse effects of elder abuse. These research findings may help inform how victim service providers and allied professionals respond to victims of elder abuse.
Abstract | PDF
 
Exploring Elder Financial Exploitation Victimization: Identifying Unique Risk Profiles and Factors To Enhance Detection, Prevention and Intervention (March 2017) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 65 pages, NCJ 250756. This study explores risk factors across the socioecological framework (i.e. individual, perpetrator, and community-levels) to identify the most important factors that differentiate elder financial exploitation from other forms of abuse as well as pure versus hybrid financial exploitation.
Abstract | PDF
 
Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse: A Pocket Guide for Law Enforcement (2014) BJA-Sponsored, 58 pages, NCJ 248541. This guide provides legal concepts, documents, and tools that may be misused to commit elder abuse or used properly to remedy it. Also presented are issues and actions that justice system professionals should consider if they suspect elder abuse has occurred.
Abstract | PDF
 
Understanding Elder Abuse: New Directions for Developing Theories of Elder Abuse Occurring in Domestic Settings (June 2013) NIJ, Summary, NIJ Research in Brief, 40 pages, NCJ 241731. This report discusses findings from two NIJ studies of elder abuse in domestic settings. Compared to other areas of family violence, elder abuse has lagged in theory development and relied more on adapting existing theories from other fields. The authors describe the findings from the two studies in this context, emphasizing the importance of developing new theories of elder abuse and of looking critically at current theories to increase our understanding and guide future research.
Part Of the NIJ Research in Brief Series
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

VictimConnect Resource Center - Confidential referrals for crime victims
VictimConnect serves victims of any crime in the United States. Trained specialists are available to help you locate referrals for mental health counseling, financial compensation, legal services, civil justice options, support groups, crime reporting, identity theft recovery and more.
 
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)-Funded Elder Abuse Programs
In August of 2016, a new VOCA Rule clarified and expanded states’ allowable uses of VOCA victim assistance funding. The rule clarifies and expands how states may expend the funding, and states are looking to support all victims, including victims of elder abuse. This OVC page highlights examples of VOCA–funded elder abuse programs and the VOCA offices that funded them.
 

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.
 
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection: Managing Someone Else's Money
This site provides advice to help financial caregivers manage the financial decisions of a loved one, provides information on how to watch out for scams and financial exploitation, and what to do if your loved one is a victim.
 
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.
 
U.S. Administration on Aging
This agency promotes the well-being of older individuals - including protection from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation - by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities.
 
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Elder Justice Initiative
This site serves as a resource for victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation and their families, practitioners who serve them, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, and researchers seeking to understand and address this silent epidemic plaguing our nation's elders. Victims and family members will find information about how to report and get assistance for victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): Money
AARP provides information about identity theft and how to protect yourself from it.
 
Foundation Aiding the Elderly (FATE)
FATE serves as a voice for patients and works to bring about national reforms and enforcement of the laws governing the nursing home industry and its regulatory agencies in order to assure proper care, civil rights and meaningful, dignified life for the elderly in long-term care facilities.
 
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 Council on Aging: Savvy Saving Seniors
This site provides seniors with information on how to budget, avoid scams, apply for benefits, and manage prepaid debit cards which can help them stay secure and independent longer.
 

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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 Jul 20 2016 at 2:00PM, Merry O'Brien, M.S.W., the Network for Victim Recovery of DC’s Identity Theft Assistance, and Paula Pierce, J.D., former Manager of Hotline Services for Texas Legal Services Center, hosted a discussion on Serving Victims of Financial Fraud and Fraud Prevention

On Jun 25 2015 at 2:00PM, Catherine Thurston, Senior Director of Services and Training at Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE),, hosted a discussion on Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ Community

On Dec 4 2013 at 2:00PM, Jeannie Beidler, Elder Advocate, and Shelly Jackson, OVC Visiting Fellow, hosted a discussion on Intersections Between Elder Financial Exploitation and Other Types of Abuse

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


FAQs

How do I report elder abuse/exploitation?
If you or someone you know is in life-threatening danger, call 911. If the danger is not immediate, ... Read More

I am a crime victim, how can I get help?
Help in your area is available from your State/Local Victim Compensation and Assistance programs. As... 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

What is Vision 21?
The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand th... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

FY 2019 Transforming America’s Response to Elder Abuse: Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation (PDF 1,003 kb)
Deadline: 07/08/2019
OVC is seeking applications for funding to support the development and/or enhancement of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) and to strengthen the capacity of "enhanced MDTs" to better identify and respond to cases of abuse and more comprehensively serve and support victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation by also funding a National Elder Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Center. OVC conducted a pre-application webinar on June 17, 2019, and a recording and transcript of this webinar are available at www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html. Apply by July 8, 2019.

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EventsDirectoryE-Mail Updates
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National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
Upcoming Event(s)
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) 45th Annual Training Event
Phoenix, AZ
07/22/2019-07/25/2019

Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.

About OVC.gov

Office for Victims of Crime
810 Seventh Street NW., Washington, DC 20531
The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

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