Elder Abuse Series: Forensic Markers and Elder Abuse - Expert Chat Webinar, NIJ and Harvard's Government Innovators Network

• NCJ Number: 234746
• Date Published: March 2011
• Author(s): Lisa Gibbs; Cherie Hill; Richard Harruff; Andy Mao
• Length: 4 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

This video and related summary and resources present a webinar sponsored by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Harvard Government Innovators Network that discusses the important role of forensic information and technology in conducting an effective investigation in cases of suspected elder abuse and neglect.

Abstract

In discussing the context for giving priority to the forensic aspects of elder abuse investigations, participants report on the prevalence of elder abuse and neglect as the U.S. population experiences longer lives that often lead to dependence on others, particularly family members. This situation has the potential for family members or caretakers to take advantage of the diminished capacities and social isolation of elderly family members or patients. In discussing forensic evidence in such cases, webinar presenters identify and discuss several physical markers that help investigators to determine whether elder physical abuse has occurred. Some of these include physical conditions such as documented but untreated injuries, inconsistencies between the reported time of death and condition of the body, and signs of malnutrition and dehydration. This webinar was the second in a two-part series on elder abuse. Slides presented in the three presentations are accessible in PDF format. This webinar was the second in a two-part series on elder abuse.