Rosie Hidalgo highlights elder abuse on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, points to DOJ resources

Rosie Hidalgo, director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the U.S. Department of Justice, said in a brief statement that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15, highlights that elder abuse affects an estimated one in 10 older adults and can take many forms, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation.

Hidalgo said abuse can be perpetrated by someone the victim trusts — such as a spouse, partner, family member or caregiver — or by strangers. She highlighted the Office on Violence Against Women’s Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program and the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life as federal efforts that fund training and improve responses to elder abuse.

"If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available," Hidalgo said, directing listeners to the Department of Justice’s resources at justice.gov/elderjustice and to materials available through the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life. Hidalgo also noted that OVW provides grants to communities across the country to increase access to justice, safety and healing for survivors of elder abuse.

The statement emphasized awareness and the availability of national training programs and grants rather than announcing new policy changes. Hidalgo closed by saying that working together can put a stop to gender-based violence against older adults and encouraged use of existing DOJ and OVW resources.