NCJ Number
125464
Date Published
1990
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews the characteristics of specialized services for elderly crime victims revealed in the 1985 National Survey of Victim/Witness Assistance Programs.
Abstract
Of the 184 responding programs, 70 (38 percent) reported they provide specialized services for elderly victims and witnesses, such as home visits, transportation, court escort, emergency home repair and replacement of broken locks and doors, and emergency monetary support. Most programs providing special services to elderly victims recognize the need for extensive support through telephone counseling, outreach, visits, and referral to community senior citizen centers. Most of the programs responding to the survey have not focused on elderly victims abused in the home, even though this is a major social problem affecting large numbers of elderly persons. With growing numbers of vulnerable elderly persons victimized by abuse in their homes, the need for the planning and development of services for these victims is evident. Some programs have a specialist on the staff responsible for the provision of extended services to elderly crime victims. This chapter provides a job description of such a specialist. Programs for elderly crime victims in Milwaukee, Wis., and Pittsburgh, Pa., are described. 7 references.