Elder Abuse Awareness Day: June 15
We tend to focus on specific crimes as advocates. DV/SA, homicide, theft, stalking, mass terrorism. There’s one thing all of these crimes have in common. They can happen to anyone. Our society tends to erase older people by acting as if some of these crimes can’t happen to them. Unfortunately, elder abuse is an all-too-common experience for many. Age can be a great equalizer. It comes to most of us in time, so it’s time to learn more in order to address and prevent this crime.
World Elder Abuse Awareness day is June 15. That’s why, for this month, we created a complication of stand-out resources and trainings that provide insight into this complex topic. Let’s learn more about treating and preventing elder abuse. And please, as always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for more!
Working with Older Survivors of Abuse: A Framework for Advocates
2016
Resource from the National ClearingHouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL)
If you look at no other resource on elder abuse, look at this one. This in-depth toolkit offers an overview of elder abuse in the United States and discusses seven guiding principles for DV/SA organizations working with elders. Accompanying each principle are guidelines and practice strategies for how to follow that principle.
Mistreatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Elders
2021
Resource from the National Center on Elder Abuse
This research brief details unique challenges that LGBT-identifying elders are facing as they age, including mistreatment and discrimination in living facilities, higher risk of abuse, risk of isolation, and how social stigma can affect help seeking. Importantly, this brief provides tips for advocates working with LGBT-identifying elders.
Abuse Among Latin@ Elders
June 2022
Resource from Esperanza United
This one-page factsheet reveals the scope of the issue and posits strong Latin@ cultural ties in the community as a protective factor for immigrant Latin@ adults at risk for elder abuse.
ADDRESSING ABUSE AND NEGLECT WITHIN THE ELDER COMMUNITY REQUIRES LISTENING — AND BELIEVING
June 2021
Podcast from National ClearingHouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL)
This 20-minute podcast with the director of NCALL talks about the impact of ageism on the work and how we must acknowledge the intersectionality of older survivors in order to create effective programming.
In Elder Abuse Cases, Restorative Justice Holds the Promise of Honoring Relationships
May 2022
Article from American Bar Association (ABA)
This article discusses how the restorative justice movement may find a place in cases of elder abuse. They talk about some elders’ distrust of traditional systems, how restorative justice could be used in the US but faces barriers, and overviews some promising programs.
Elder Abuse: It’s more than just scams
June 2021
Webinar hosted by Elder Source, Area on Aging, and Senior Connection Center
This webinar overviews elder abuse, discusses identify theft and fraud, and provides tips on how to avoid being taking advantage of and how to support elders.