Family violence and abuse in later life is a pervasive and challenging issue affecting millions of older adults throughout the country each year. Because such abuse often goes unreported, it is important for legal service providers and other professionals working with older survivors of abuse to understand and recognize the types of abuse and common tactics used by those who cause harm to assert power and control over older adults.

This training will explore ways that legal assistance, elder rights, and aging services professionals can work with older survivors or abuse in later life, which includes using a person-centered approach, implementing trauma-informed practices, and strategies for preventing further harm from occurring. Presenters will also provide information and resources for working with older survivors of abuse, which includes the benefits of collaborating with local service providers and community organizations.

Presenters include Candace Heisler (Retired Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco, Heisler & Associates), Ann E. Laatsch (Justice System Coordinator, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life [NCALL]), & Erica Costello (Senior Attorney, ABA Commission on Law & Aging)