Elder abuse is a pervasive yet vastly underreported problem. With 11,400 Americans turning 65 every day*, the population is aging, and the incidence of elder abuse can be expected to rise as well. The purpose of this series is to educate prosecutors so they are equipped to make well-informed prosecutorial decisions in elder physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases in order to hold perpetrators accountable, promote public safety, and address victims’ needs.

* The U.S. Has Reached the Peak of Peak 65® It’s Time to Apply Retirement Readiness Lessons from the Boomer Experience – Protected Income

Access Webinars

The National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA)

The National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA) is a three-and-a-half-day course designed to challenge prosecutors to reevaluate their approach to prosecuting elder abuse cases. Participants receive training on the dynamics of elder abuse as well as practical skills to successfully prosecute these cases, balancing offender accountability with the impact of criminal prosecution on victims. Using a problem-based, interactive format, NIPEA explores the complex issues faced by prosecutors. Topics covered include:

• Case evaluation and litigation skills
• Unique aspects of prosecuting elder abuse crimes involving domestic violence, sexual assault, neglect, financial exploitation*, psychological abuse, and stalking
• Dementia and capacity issues
• Common injuries, relevant medical evidence, and the use of medical experts
• Ethical issues and prosecutorial leadership
• The benefits of developing a coordinated, victim-centered community response
• Redefining outcomes and exploring the nature of justice in elder abuse cases
• Resources available to support prosecutors handling elder abuse cases

Attendees may qualify for approximately eighteen (18) continuing legal education credit hours including at least one (1) hour of ethics credit.

For more information about the next offering of this program, please contact Ann Laatsch.

This event is sponsored by The Office on Violence Against Women, the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, and AEquitas.

The United States Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) supports and coordinates the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The EJI website has an array of materials available to support state and local efforts through training, information, and resources.

• EJI website: Elder Abuse Prosecutor Training & Resources page — NCALL worked with the EJI to create an extensive video series that explores many of the critical elements of investigating and prosecuting cases of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

The goal of the self-assessment/CCR assessment tools is to encourage intervening agencies and CCRs to candidly and thoughtfully assess their work and the processes they use. The tools are intended to examine and expand collective thinking and response to elder abuse. They help identify existing practices and introduce new approaches in order to strengthen the overall response. They are meant to facilitate and encourage discussion and raise questions about roles, response, coordination, and common purpose. Questions? Please contact NCALL at ncall@ncall.us.

Response to Elder Abuse: A Self-Assessment Workbook for Prosecution (PDF 6 MB)