Elder Abuse On D.A.'s Hit List

District Attorney Paul Zellerbach's request to seek federal funds to support training for law enforcement and social welfare workers about how to prevent or stop elder abuse was approved today by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

The D.A. hopes to win a grant from the U.S. Justice Department's Enhanced Training & Services to End Violence Against, and Abuse of, Women Later
in Life Program. The deadline for agencies to file an online application for
funding is tomorrow.

"Elder abuse victims face unique obstacles in getting the help and services that they need,'' according to a DOJ statement. "Age or disability may increase the isolation of older individuals. Victims may refrain from seeking help or calling the police due to shame or embarrassment because the abuse was committed by a family member, friend or caregiver. Victims may also be intimidated by threats of being placed in a nursing home.''

The size of the grants available under the program vary. Any agency that receives a grant must offer training opportunities over a 36-month span,
according to federal officials

The program emphasizes the importance of identifying and assisting people 50 years of age and older who have been victims of a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

As the grant program administrator, the D.A.'s office would coordinate training for prosecutors, victims' advocates, Department of Public Social Services case agents and Riverside police investigators. --City News Service