Education
The VCoA has long been engaged in increasing the safety of older adults by combating elder mistreatment through training and education.
In Virginia, cases of elder mistreatment have steadily increased and for every one reported case, about 25 cases go unreported. Law enforcement and human service professional response to these reports is crucial to reducing harm and increasing positive outcomes. To improve community response, the Abuse in Later Life Project (AiLL) implements professional and direct service training programs and professional development in addition to law enforcement training across the commonwealth.
AiLL’s work comprehensively enhances the law enforcement response to elder abuse by training at the executive, supervisor, and detective/officer levels. Underlying all training is consideration of the significant impact of elder abuse on our communities, dynamics of abuse, specific needs of older survivors, unconscious ageist biases that affect response, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.
Sign up to receive information about upcoming elder abuse training dates.
Visit the VCU Gerontology Elder Abuse Research Lab.
Executive Law Enforcement Toolkit for Elder Abuse
The toolkit is provided as a resource to assist in planning, evaluating, and strengthening the response to elder abuse. It is not intended to be reviewed by one or two individuals working in isolation, but instead as part of a team approach that involves the agency’s leaders and staff. The toolkit is built on a process of reflection and discussion that requires candid and thoughtful conversation among those with different experiences within the organization or community.
Archived Webinars
Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence in Later Life: Innovative New Resources for Community
Lisa Furr, formerly of VCoA, and Adrienne Johnson of Senior Navigator presented on the topic, and Dr. E. Ayn Welleford of the Virginia Commission on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders/Virginia Commonwealth University moderated this discussion on August 27, 2013. (When you click on the webinar name above, please scroll down to the bottom of the page for the recording and PowerPoint.)
Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Dr. Paula Kupstas and Lisa Furr of VCoA presented on the topic, and Dr. E. Ayn Welleford of the Virginia Commission on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders/Virginia Commonwealth University, moderated this discussion on May 11, 2011. (When you click on the webinar name above, please scroll down to the bottom of the page for the recording and PowerPoint.)