In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life
"Domestic abuse in later life is a problem that has not received the attention it deserves. The dynamics involved in this type of abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault, are unique and require a specialized response that needs to be integrated into existing victim assistance approaches and programs. The wide range of professionals who come into contact with older victims need to be educated in order to intervene effectively in the situations of abuse they encounter. Training resources will help to build the capacity of the various professional groups who work with older victims of domestic abuse. These practitioners include victim advocates, criminal justice professionals, health care providers, adult protective services workers, and aging services professionals and volunteers.

The training DVD In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life presents five compelling stories of abuse in later life conveyed by the survivors themselves, amplified by interviews with the professionals who worked with them. Additional segments address emergency housing, support
groups, and effective advocacy—three critical issues for older victims of abuse. The DVD includes a role-play segment to support an interactive workshop on discerning justifications used to excuse abuse, neglect, and/or financial exploitation of an older adult. The accompanying training guide
offers comprehensive guidance to trainers on using the DVD, including background information on domestic abuse in later life..."