Department of Justice – Senior Protective Initiative | Elderly and Disability Resources (Delaware) | Infographic and Resource List (printable)
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders and other vulnerable adults have no boundaries and cross all racial, social class, gender and geographic lines. Abuse of vulnerable adults includes several types of violence that occur among those ages 60 and older and adult individuals who have mental or physical disability. The violence usually occurs at the hands of a caregiver or a person the individual trusts.
Check out this resource from UD’s Center for Drug and Health Studies featuring national and Delaware data on Older Adults and Mental Health, and Older Adults and Substance.
The Elderly and Domestic Violence Committee is comprised of representatives from the Department of Justice, law enforcement, healthcare, advocates, and community partners including the Delaware Center for Justice; University of Delaware’s Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies; Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities and Adult Protective Services; as well as representation from the housing sector. The Committee continuously reviews data and information about the prevalence of domestic violence against aging Delawareans. In addition, the Committee learns from key informants, including citizens, about existing services and programs available to elderly victims; the unmet needs of elders experiencing abuse, and elderly victims’ experiences in Delaware.
Chair:
Secretary Nathaniel McQueen
Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Deputy Secretary Kimberly Chandler
Designee for Secretary McQueen
Staff Information:
Francisca Moreno, Trainer/Educator II
(302) 255-1704
Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments
The data and information about the elderly and domestic violence obtained by the Committee during the previous two years was compiled and presented to the Council during the Quarterly meeting in September. A representative from the Center of Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware who is also a member of the DVCC Elderly and Domestic Violence Committee conducted the presentation Crime, Abuse, and Neglect among Older Delawareans: 2004 – 2014.
Following the presentation, the Committee identified an additional area that should be explored – the intersection of crimes against the elderly by family members and the presence of drugs or alcohol in relation to the incidents. At the request of DVCC staff, the Delaware Information & Analysis Center (DIAC) of the Delaware State Police compiled a report. The Elderly Victim Report produced by the DIAC confirmed what citizens communicated during the public listening sessions held by the Committee in April 2015. The DIAC’s Report strengthened the Committee’s understanding of the prevalence, types of crime and familial relationships in drug and alcohol-related domestic violence against the elderly.
The Committee compiled a summary of its findings and produced the report: The Elderly and Domestic Violence in Delaware. The report includes several areas for the Committee to address:
- Promote public awareness about domestic violence and the elderly on a statewide basis;
- Collaborate with faith-based communities to provide outreach to ensure the elderly are aware of resources available to assist victims;
- Develop strategies and implement educational programs on identifying elderly victimization to professionals and paraprofessionals who have contact with elderly citizens;
- Work with community partners to explore the feasibility of establishing emergency housing for low income victims of elderly domestic violence in Kent and Sussex Counties; and
Inform legislators and policy makers about the impact of elderly domestic violence on victims in order to ensure that the needs of this vulnerable but often hidden population are addressed.
Elderly & People with Disabilities Resources
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.
Delaware Center for Justice Elderly Victims Services Program
(victims over 50) 302-658-7174 ext.12
Attends to the needs of men and women 50 years of age or older who are victims of
domestic violence or sexual abuse.
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
1-800-223-9074
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) only:
302-391-3505 or 302-424-7141
(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.
Independent Resources, Inc.
302-765-0191Provides 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.
Elderly & People with Disabilities Websites
