About This Committee
The Aging and Domestic Violence Committee changed its name in May 2025 from Elderly and Domestic Violence. The Committee continuously reviews data and information about the prevalence of domestic violence against aging Delawareans. Additionally, the Committee provides training and public awareness raising for elder abuse in Delaware. These training initiatives aim to better equip advocates, law enforcement, and attorneys with the tools they need to serve victims of elder abuse. The committee annually hosts an event in observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which takes place on June 15.
Chair:
Deputy Secretary Kimberly Chandler
Designee for Secretary Bushweller, Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security
Staff Information:
Francisca Moreno, Training & Education Specialist III
(302) 255-1704
Committee Accomplishments
In 2025, the committee hosted a “Elder Abuse Webinar Series,” in 2025. Topics included Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Managing Money with Those Who Have Dementia, and Tips for Interviewing Older Adults Who May Have Experienced Abuse.
In 2024, the committee began hosting an annual Elder Abuse Awareness Day Webinar on June 15.
In 2017, the Committee compiled a summary of its findings and produced the report: The Elderly and Domestic Violence in Delaware (printable version).
Resources for Aging and Domestic Violence
Programs and Websites
Delaware Organizations
Adult Abuse Registry
302-421-7400
The Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection maintains a listing of all persons in the State of Delaware who have a substantiated case of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and/or financial exploitation in their backgrounds. State of Delaware law requires that all long term care facilities check this Registry before hiring any new employee.
Developmental Disabilities Council
302-739-3333
Working to ensure that people with developmental disabilities enjoy the same quality of life as the rest of society.
Department of Health & Social Services: Adult Protective Services
1-888-277-4302 (1-888-APS-4302) or use the Adult Protective Services Online Submission Form if you have a concern about possible abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
For Delaware Relay services, dial 711.
(Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Adult Protective Services Program, Community Services Program)
Responds to cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of impaired adults. Specifically, the program serves persons who are aged 18 or over, who have a physical or mental impairment, and who are not living in a long term care facility (for example, a nursing home).
Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection
877-453-0012 (24 hours)
Deals with three main sections: long term care, acute/ambulatory licensing and certification, as well as investigations.
Freedom Center for Independent Living
302-376-4399
Southern New Castle Co. TTY 302-449-1487A resource and advocacy center that works to promote dignity, self-determination, independence and full participation in community life for people of any age that experience a disability.
Provides quality services to people with disabilities by assisting them in achieving and maintaining independent lives. Variety of services which includes: Advocacy, Information/Referral, Peer Support, Living Skills Training, and Transition Life Skills Workshops.
(302) 757-8115
The campus provides rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care services with compassion, dignity and respect in partnership with their residents and families. The Elder Abuse Sanctuary is a place for older victims of abuse a place where they are safe from their abuser.
YWCA SARC Program
For immediate assistance and information on your options, call our 24-hour crisis helpline at (800) 773-8570.
YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) provides comprehensive, free and confidential crisis services to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors aged 12 and older and their non-offending family members, friends and partners throughout the state of Delaware. SARC is committed to providing healing, hope and empowerment to individuals whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence or domestic violence, whether the assault happened yesterday or many years ago. If you or someone you care about has been sexually assaulted or experienced domestic violence, reaching out for help can be the first step toward recovery and healing.
National Organizations
Disability Resources on the Internet
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life
Printable Materials
Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Elder Abuse Infographic
University of Delaware Center for Drug and Health Studies: Older Adults and Substance Use
