When asked to close their eyes and imagine a survivor of domestic abuse, few people picture an older adult. Yet, a recent study reported that one in ten older adults were victims of intimate partner abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or another form of abuse in the past year. To ensure that older survivors have equal access to healing support and services, advocates must be prepared to address their unique needs in a victim-centered way.
The National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, a project of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, has created a new series of resources and training materials to help advocates work effectively with victims of all ages. Resources include fact sheets on various topics related to abuse in later life and working with older victims, common legal issues involving older adults, and a supplement to End Abuse’s Coordinated Community Response Toolkit, focused on creating a collaborative approach to serving older adults.
Join NCALL staff Martie Washington (Abuse in Later Life Program Coordinator) and Ann Laatsch J.D. (Justice System Coordinator) for this web-based session to learn about these new resources and how you can use them!