Responding to victims of abuse in later life in the United States

Abstract

Purpose

Millions of older adults in the USA are being abused, neglected, and exploited. Older victims who are abused by a spouse, partner, family member, or caregiver experience unique barriers and challenges. The Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) funds a small but promising Abuse in Later Life Program. This article seeks to briefly describe the dynamics of abuse in later life and the design and outcomes experienced by local grantees funded by the OVW Abuse in Later Life Program.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is designed to describe the key components of the OVW's Abuse in Later Life program and outcomes experienced by local practitioners.

Findings

The paper describes lessons learned by local practitioners who use a multidisciplinary approach to respond to abuse in later life.

Practical implications

Collaboration and a coordinated community response are vital to enhance older victim safety and quality of life.

Originality/value

This paper describes model programming in the USA that could be replicated in Britain and elsewhere.

Citation

Brandl, B. and Dawson, L. (2011), "Responding to victims of abuse in later life in the United States", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 13 No. 6, pp. 315-322. https://doi.org/10.1108/14668201111194221