NCJ Number
208422
Date Published
June 2004
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This report examines the prevalence of elder abuse in Indian country.
Abstract
Existing research on elder abuse in Indian country is extremely limited in its scope. In an attempt to explore the special needs of abused or vulnerable Indian elders, as well as promising approaches for meeting them, this report draws on activities carried out by a team of individuals with expertise in aging and long-term care in Indian country and elder abuse. The primary goal of the project was to identify promising approaches to address elder abuse and neglect in Indian country. In 2002, a survey was sent to 236 Older American Act Title VI directors to describe current initiatives in abuse prevention carried out by their tribes, barriers they have encountered, and recommendations for needed services and policy. Eight specific types of abuse were identified: neglect, self-neglect, psychological or verbal abuse, financial abuse by family members and others, physical abuse by spouses or intimate partners, children, or other family members. Drawing from the research and responses from the survey, specific areas of need were focused on with a description of specific challenges and recommendations. These included: (1) needs assessment and policy development; (2) tribal codes, policies, and procedures; (3) coordinating services; (4) raising awareness; (5) screening, reporting, and assessing abuse; (6) training and education for professionals and families; (7) Western and traditional approaches in legal interventions; (8) services to prevent abuse and neglect; and (9) serving elderly victims of domestic violence. Appendixes and references