New online course addresses dynamics of elder abuse

Justice Responses to Elder Abuse shares tools, resources to improve access to justice for victims of elder abuse

Williamsburg, Va. (May 1, 2014) – The National Center for State Courts (NCSC), in partnership with the University of California at Irvine School of Medicine’s Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect, have collaborated to create Justice Responses to Elder Abuse, a self-paced course for court professionals and the general public, offering a wide array of information and resources to address and reduce elder abuse. With incidents of elder abuse reportedly on the rise, this course offers courts and medical professionals the tools they need to identify abuse and develop effective responses.

The comprehensive and complimentary course provides the latest research on aging issues, including physical, cognitive and emotional changes that increase an older person’s vulnerability to abuse. Medical, prosecution and judicial experts explore the dynamics of elder abuse and highlight individual and systemic barriers to effective remedies for victims.

Faculty members demonstrate how specific tools can improve access to justice and enhance outcomes for older victims of abuse. The course units include a mix of expert presentations and discussions, video clips, interactive exercises and supplemental resources.

“We are excited to offer this course and hope it will lead to strengthened efforts to improve responses to older victims of crime,” said Dr. Brenda Uekert, director of NCSC’s Center for Elders and the Courts.

To learn more, we invite you to watch the Justice Responses to Elder Courts introductory video.

Prosecutors, judges or members of the public may register for the course online.

The course is supported by grants from the Retirement Research Foundation of Chicago and the State Justice Institute.

The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts.