This toolkit contains downloadable information and online video resources intended to assist victim-service providers in understanding the distinctive needs of older African American crime survivors and the range of services required to address those needs.
The overarching theme of the toolkit is that older African Americans experience crime and violence at the intersections of race, age, class, and other identity-related factors. Systemic and institutional challenges pose barriers for older African American survivors who want services that address needs stemming from their victimization and the distinctive harms and needs related to their being an older African American. The toolkit offers victim service providers and criminal justice system stakeholders information and tactical strategies that will improve their skill and knowledge in identifying, reaching, and serving older African American victims. The toolkit includes a guide with five content modules. Within each module are videoclips that feature an expert panel discussion of the challenges faced by older African American victims, as well as older survivors sharing their stories of victimization and the dynamics of healing and recovery. Each module also contains a set of reflection questions designed to help readers synthesize the key points and examine how the strategies proposed can be applied in their work. The toolkit also includes a workbook with reflection questions for users to consider in relation to the topics addressed in the modules.