Selected Resources
This summary report describes seven guiding principles with minimum guidelines and practical strategies for domestic and sexual violence advocates and programs to consider when working with older survivors. Follow this link to view this resource with captioned videos.
- The Abuse in Later Life Education Series for Advocates consists of 20 instructional video clips featuring national experts discussing key topics advocates encounter when serving older survivors. The training modules are stand-alone videos, each less than 30 minutes in length. Please note, if you choose to view the modules as a series some content may be repetitive. A worksheet accompanies each module with links to additional resources and questions for advocates and programs to consider as they incorporate key content into their practice. For your convenience, NCALL has created a chart individuals can use to track which modules they have watched. The document contains the module title, information on the presenters, the length of each recorded module, and space to write the date the module was watched. There is no cost to view these modules.
The Abuse in Later Life Education Series for Advocates was created with support by Grant No. 2016-TA-AX-K071 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
MODULE 1: Overview
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define why advocates must address abuse in later life
- Identify NCALL resources for advocates on working with older survivors
Module includes:
- Click here to view the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 436 KB)
- Overview worksheet (Word Document 64 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 2: Defining Elder Abuse & Abuse in Later Life
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define elder abuse and abuse in later life
Module includes:
- Click here to view the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 158 KB)
- Defining Elder Abuse & Abuse in Later Life worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- National Definitions of Elder Abuse handout (PDF 290 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 3: Intimate Partner Violence in Later Life
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define intimate partner violence in later life
- Recognize that a significant portion of elder abuse cases involve female victims with spouses as perpetrators
- Describe power and control tactics in abuse in later life
Module includes:
- Click here to view the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 387KB)
- Intimate Partner Violence in Later Life worksheet (Word Document 67 KB)
- Abuse in Later Life Power and Control Wheel handout (PDF 227 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 4: Sexual Abuse in Later Life
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define sexual abuse in later life
- Recognize unique issues for older victims
Module includes:
- Click here to view the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 194 KB)
- Sexual Assault in Later Life worksheet (Word Document 63 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 5: Stalking in Later Life
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Describe in later life
- Explore some of the unique issues for older victims of stalking
- Recognize technology can be used in stalking in later life
Module includes:
- Click here to view the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 146 KB)
- Stalking in Later Life worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 6: Economic Abuse & Financial Exploitation in Later Life
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define and identify indicators of economic abuse in the context of intimate partner violence
- Define and identify indicators of financial exploitation by family members, trusted others, or strangers
- Identify resources to assist older victims who have experienced economic abuse or financial exploitation
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 189 KB)
- Economic Abuse & Financial Exploitation in Later Life worksheet (Word Document 65 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 7: Neglect, Self-Neglect & the Role of APS
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define neglect and self-neglect Identify indicators of neglect Initiate contact with adult protective services and other professionals when appropriate
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 121 KB)
- Neglect, Self-Neglect & The Role of APS worksheet (Word Document 62 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 8: Power and Control Tactics & the Role of Caregiver Stress
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Identify the dynamics of power & control and/or entitlement in abuse in later life relationships
- Explore additional scenarios where harm may occur in relationships
- Clarify the relationship between caregiver stress and abuse
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 341 KB)
- Power & Control Tactics and the Role of Caregiver Stress worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- Abuse Later Life Power & Control Wheel (PDF 227 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 9: Victim-Defined Advocacy
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define victim-defined advocacy for older survivors
- Provide strength-based support to older survivors of abuse
- Practice respectful, effective communication when working with older victims
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 139 KB)
- Victim-Defined Advocacy worksheet (Word Document 65 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 10: Trauma & Older Survivors
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define individual and historical trauma
- Understand the influence of trauma on older survivors
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 405 KB)
- Trauma and Older Survivors worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 11: Providing Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Older Survivors
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Identify the effects of trauma on trauma survivors
- Provide trauma-informed advocacy when working with older survivors
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 138 KB)
- Providing Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Older Survivors worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 12: Mandatory Reporting
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define the relationship between privacy, confidentiality, and mandatory reporting
- Determine whether or not you are a mandatory reporter and your legal obligations
- Develop policies and practices to address mandatory reporting that minimize any unintended consequences to victims and promote autonomy and safety
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 125 KB)
- Mandatory Reporting worksheet (Word Document 62 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 13: Elder-Informed Victim Services
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Recognize the importance of including elder voices in designing programming and policy
- Utilize the tools and strategies needed to implement inclusive, elder-informed programs and policies
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 118 KB)
- Elder-Informed Victim Services worksheet (Word Document 65 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 14: Support Groups for Older Survivors
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Identify why support groups are important for older survivors
- Apply survivor centered practices when planning & designing support group practices
- Develop an effective outreach plan to encourage attendance
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 314 KB)
- Support Groups for Older Survivors worksheet (Word Document 65 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 15: Powers of Attorney and Guardianship
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Identify and describe documents and processes that designate a substitute decision maker to act on an older survivor’s
behalf - Recognize the warning signs of abuse by a substitute decision maker
- Identify national and local legal resources available to address power of attorney and guardianship concerns
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 181 KB)
- Powers of Attorney and Guardianship worksheet (Word Document 59 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 16: Policies to Enhance Safety for Older Survivors
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Recognize unique role advocates play in providing services to older adults
- Identify barriers to common policies utilized by direct service Domestic Violence and Sexual
- Assault victim service agencies
- Design agency policies that better meet the needs of older survivors
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 979 KB)
- Policies to Enhance Safety for Older Adults worksheet (Word Document 68 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 17: Advancing Equity for Older Victims
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Define equity
- Describe barriers to equity in services and programs
- Identify strategies to promote equity for older survivors
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- Advancing Equity for Older Victims worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 18: Collaboration—Making It Work For You
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Identify the benefits of collaboration
- Distinguish the types of collaborative groups
- Recognize the issues and challenges to collaboration
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 354 KB)
- Collaboration—Making It Work For You worksheet (Word Document 66 KB)
- Survey
MODULE 19: Increasing Awareness of Abuse in Later Life
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Recognize some of the opportunities to raise awareness of elder abuse and abuse in later life
- Find or create awareness materials that are relevant and accessible to older survivors of abuse in your community and the professionals who work with older survivors
Module includes:
- Click here to watch the training module
- PowerPoint slides (PDF 331 KB)
- Increasing Awareness of Abuse in Later Life worksheet (Word Document 65 KB)
- Survey
Module 20: Working with Survivors Who Have Guardians
As a result of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Describe the basic concept of guardianships
- Determine their ability to provide services to an older survivor who has a guardian, and
- Provide services to a survivor in accordance with local laws and the terms of that survivor’s guardianship.
Module includes:
These resources offer an overview of abuse in later life and abuse dynamics, discuss the importance of providing a survivor-centered response, and assert the critical role collaboration can play in abuse in later life cases.
- Abuse in Later Life Information Sheets —This series of information sheets offers an overview of abuse in later life.
- An Overview of Elder Abuse: A Growing Problem (PDF 969 KB)— A broad overview of elder abuse.
- An Overview of Abuse in Later Life (PDF 2.04 MB) — An overview of abuse in later life, dynamics, and forms of abuse, as well as tips on how to respond to abuse cases.
- Unique Challenges in Abuse in Later Life Cases (PDF 811 KB) — A list of some of the challenges that can arise when working with older victims.
- Working with Victims of Abuse in Later Life (PDF 1.62 MB)— A handout discussing the importance of using a victim-centered approach when working with older victims.
- Working Together to Effectively Address Abuse in Later Life (PDF 1.43 MB) — A handout that discusses the benefits of engaging community partners to address abuse in later life.
- Abuse in Later Life Resources (PDF 247 KB)— A list of resources related to elder abuse and abuse in later life.
- Abuse in Later Life: An Overview and Practical Strategies for Supporting Older Victims of Abuse — This article provides an overview of abuse in later life and abuse dynamics, in addition to providing practical strategies for professionals working with older survivors of abuse.
- Abuse in Later Life: Power and Control Dynamics and a Victim-Centered Response (PDF 765 KB) — this article discusses the dynamics of abuse in later life, as well as the importance of providing a victim-centered response and working collaboratively to offer a comprehensive response to these cases.
- Abuse in Later Life Power and Control Wheel (PDF 227 KB)— depicts common abuser tactics which can be used to establish and maintain power and control over an older survivor.
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018
On June 7, 2018, NCALL and the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) hosted a 90-minute webinar in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This webinar featured a 50-minute international conversation between Bonnie Brandl (United States), Dr. Jane Mears (Australia), Bridget Penhale (United Kingdom), and Laura Tamblyn Watts (Canada), as well as a discussion of new work, resources, and funding opportunities. Use the links below to access the full 90-minute webinar recording and its resource materials. You can also view the 50-minute international conversation alone by choosing the corresponding link below.
- Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse for Victim Service Providers: 6-Part Series of Information Sheets — Some advocates may be mandatory reporters. This series of information sheets provides an overview of mandatory reporting obligations.
- Part 1: What is Mandatory Reporting? (PDF 175 KB)
- Part 2: Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse: Exploring the Benefits and Harms (PDF 164 KB)
- Part 3: What Advocates Need to Know About Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse (PDF 243 KB)
- Part 4: Tips for Working with Older Victims When You Are Mandated to Report Elder Abuse (PDF 138 KB)
- Part 5: Developing Agency Policy on Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse (PDF 140 KB)
- Part 6: Elder Abuse Mandatory Reporting Flow Chart for Victim Service Providers (PDF 284 KB)
- Respecting Elders, Protecting Elders: Untangling the Mystery of What Sexual Assault Advocates Need to Know About the Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse (PDF 185 KB)— this article aims to strengthen the capacity of advocates and coalitions to analyze their reporting and confidentiality obligations.
The following resources explore domestic abuse against older adults that is perpetrated by a spouse or intimate partner.
- Domestic Violence Across the Lifespan: Supporting Older Survivors (588KB) − A resource examining the unique dynamics and barriers that older survivors of domestic abuse experience and recommendations for tailored service and systems responses to better support older survivors.
- Power and Control: Understanding Domestic Abuse in Later Life (PDF 903 KB)— this article examines domestic abuse against older adults that is perpetrated by a spouse or intimate partner.
- Survivors in the Margins: The Invisibility of Violence Against Older Women (PDF 338 KB)— this article explores how the lack of gender analysis in the elder abuse field exacerbates the invisibility of older survivors when the wider violence against women (VAW) field lacks a lifespan approach to abuse.
These tools provide ideas for best practices and strategies for domestic and sexual violence service providers and faith leaders to use when building partnerships that support older victims and survivors.
- Introductory Letter to Service Providers and Advocates (PDF 257 KB)
- Before You Start Checklist (PDF 94 KB)
- First Visit Checklist (PDF 83 KB)
- Outreach Guide (197 KB) — this resource addresses challenges that service providers may encounter when reaching out to faith-based organizations, as well as strategies that may help when responding to those challenges.
- Sample letter from Service Providers and Advocates to Faith Communities (Word Document 18 KB)
Webinar
- Pursuing Respect and Justice for Faith-Engaged Older Victims of Abuse — this webinar explores how faith can be both a barrier and a resource for older victims and how partnerships between service providers and faith leaders can strengthen well-being and support for older victims of abuse. The webinar also discusses resources and available training that could help you enhance the quality of life of older victims in your community who are faith-involved.
These safety planning resources provide examples of safety plans that can help older survivors think about planning for their safety and prepare in advance for the possibility of future violence.
- Personalized Safety Plan (PDF 229 KB) — this resource is designed to help an older survivor increase their safety and prepare in advance for the possibility of future violence.
- Safety Planning Tips (PDF 205 KB)— this resource provides tips for an older survivor to consider when thinking about planning for their safety.
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 Victim Service Providers (PDF 10 MB)