Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Identifying and Responding to Elder Abuse

1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for this training.

Victims of elder abuse seldom self identify. Knowing the signs of elder abuse and appropriate ways of obtaining more information will enable you to respond proactively to situations in which you suspect elder abuse. This 2.5-day training is designed for victim advocates and other allied professionals. Through interactive exercises you will learn to recognize the risk factors for and indicators of elder abuse among older persons; name the types of elder abuse, relevant statutes, and responsibilities of a mandated reporter; and intervene appropriately and collaborate with other organizations and agencies involved with elder abuse. You will also practice techniques for communicating with older adults, explore the challenges and benefits of working on a multidisciplinary team, and develop a blueprint for collaboration based on a case study.


  • Understanding Elder Abuse
    • Define elder abuse.
    • List the types of elder abuse.
    • Describe the effects of elder abuse on victims.
    • Identify the settings where elder abuse occurs.
    • Explain the dynamics often present in victim-offender relationships.
  • Recognizing Elder Abuse
    • Explain how victim service providers may be alerted to elder abuse.
    • Describe the effect of elder abuse on the justice system.
    • Describe the risk factors that often contribute to elder abuse.
    • Identify indicators of elder abuse.
  • Legal Issues When Working With Victims of Elder Abuse
    • Describe the roles and responsibilities of a "mandatory reporter" of elder abuse.
    • Describe common features and limitations of a power of attorney and a guardianship/conservatorship.
    • Define "decisionmaking capacity" and explain its relationship to legal ability to testify.
  • Communicating With Victims of Elder Abuse
    • Describe techniques for communicating with victims of elder abuse.
    • Describe how cultural views affect the identification of and response to elder abuse.
  • Assisting Victims of Elder Abuse
    • Describe barriers victims face when attempting to escape abuse.
    • Explain why elderly victims may be reluctant to report or prosecute abuse.
  • Victim-Centered Approach and Response
    • Discuss ways to assist victims of elder abuse through victim-centered responses.
    • Describe societal assumptions about the weaknesses of elderly victims.
    • Identify ways elderly victims may be able to cope with victimization.
  • Advocating and Collaborating To Protect Victims of Elder Abuse
    • Explain the role of state adult protective services.
    • Describe other state laws and programs that apply to elder abuse.
    • List the challenges and benefits of collaboration.
    • Cite differences in organizational philosophies that may impact collaboration.
    • Explain the purpose of a multidisciplinary team.
    • Explain how victim service professionals can advocate for victims in the court process.