Elder abuse is a pervasive yet vastly underreported problem. With 10,000 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 National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA) is a three-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. NIPEA explores the complex issues faced by prosecutors—balancing offender accountability with the impact of criminal prosecution on victims. In addition to case evaluation and litigation skills, the curriculum examines the benefits of developing a coordinated, victim-centered community response; explains common injuries and relevant medical evidence, providing guidance on the use of medical experts; explores ethical issues confronted by prosecutors; addresses the development and improvement of culturally-specific victim services; and offers prosecutors the ability to redefine outcomes and the very nature of justice in elder abuse cases. There is no tuition fee for the institute. Attendees may qualify for approximately fifteen (15) continuing legal education credit hours including at least one (1) hour of ethics credit. Preference will be given to prosecutor offices participating in the OVW Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Grant Program (or prosecutor offices which are partnered with organizations that receive such funds). All other applicants/prosecutors will be considered in the order in which they apply.
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.
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)