Recognizing that individuals who are 50 years of age or older who are victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, face unique barriers to receiving assistance, Congress created the Enhanced Training and Services to End

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Violence Against and Abuse of Women Later in Life Program (Elder Grants Program.) In Federal Fiscal Year 2009, OVW plans to fund projects that will support a comprehensive approach to addressing elder abuse in their communities.

Theses projects will provide training to criminal justice professionals, governmental agency staff and victim assistants to enhance their ability to address elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in their communities; provide cross training opportunities to professionals working with older victims; develop or enhance a community coordinated response to elder abuse; and provide or enhance services for victims who are 50 years of age or older (hereinafter “older victims” or “elder victims”).