1. Module 2: A Victim-Centered Response
Office on Violence Against Women
ABUSE IN LATER LIFE: CROSS-TRAINING FOR VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDERS
Module 2: A Victim-Centered Response
OVW and NCALL 2012
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

2. A Victim-Centered Response
In domestic and sexual violence movements described as “empowerment”
In APS described as “self-determination”
Both built on principle of listening to victims and recognizing a victims strengths
NCALL, OVW (2012)

3. Module 2 Objectives
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
Discuss how life experience and societal influences impact working with older survivors of abuse
Identify strategies to meet victims where they are at
Create a safety plan with older victims
Describe existing services and strategies to work effectively with other victim service providers
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4. Life Experiences & Societal Influences
© Photo by Patrick Doheny
NCALL, OVW (2012)

5. Who Lives in Our Community?
Add local demographic information about various ethnic and racial communities in your area.
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6. Culture
Integrated patterns of human behavior that include thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of groups
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

7. NCALL, OVW (2012)

8. Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

9. Historical Trauma
“…a cumulative emotional psychological wounding, over the lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma experiences.”
NCALL, OVW (2012)

10. Video: Listen to the Grandmothers Tribal Law and Policy Institute and OVW
NCALL, OVW (2012)

11. The Affects of Historical Trauma (Large Group Discussion)
How may these types of experiences affect a person’s interactions with service providers today?
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

12. Affects of Historical Trauma (Teach-Behind)
Lack of trust in services
Hesitant to give information about personal life
Misperceptions or fears
Resistance to worker’s case plan
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13. Things to Consider Misperceptions and miscommunication
Respect and dignity
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14. Aging and Our Community
Add local statistical information about older adults in your community.
NCALL, OVW (2012)

15. Ageism
… “any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates a person or group because of age or any assignment of roles in society purely on the basis of age.” Ageism reflects a prejudice in society against older adults
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

16. Ageism in Society
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

17. Ageism Exercise (Interactive Exercise)
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

18. Ageism Discussion (Large Group Discussion)
How many of us have heard or said similar comments?
Ageists statements may be meant as a compliment
What assumptions were made that would not have been made about a younger victim with similar circumstances?
NCALL, OVW (2012)

19. How Can We Challenge Ageism
How Can We Challenge Ageism? (Individual Reflection, page 23 in workbook and Large Group Discussion)
In our personal attitudes and behaviors
Within our agency
Within other systems and agencies
In the media and community
NCALL, OVW (2012)
Dynamics of Abuse in Later Life - Module 1 PowerPoint Handout

20. Challenging Ageism in Our Personal Attitudes and Behaviors (Large Group Discussion)
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21. Personal Attitudes and Behaviors (Teach-Behind)
Attend training on ageism and/or diversity
Read about ageism
Participate in discussions about ageism and our responses to ageism
Challenge our own ageist attitudes and beliefs
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22. Challenging Ageism Within Our Agency (Large Group Discussion)
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23. Within Our Agency (Teach-Behind)
Hire older staff: welcome older board members and volunteers
Review policies and protocols
Display images of older individuals
Create a group agreement to hold each other accountable
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24. Challenging Ageism in Other Systems and Agencies (Large Group Discussion)
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25. Other Systems and Agencies (Teach-Behind)
Work with agencies with expertise in aging victims and learn from each other
During team meetings, respectfully challenge ageist comments or assumptions
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26. Challenging Ageism in the Media and Community (Large Group Discussion)
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27. In the Media and Community
Challenge media accounts that portray older victims in a negative light
Challenge ageism in advertising
Present positive images of older people
Ask older staff, volunteers, and survivors to assist with community education projects
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28. Video: Barriers and Obstacles National District Attorneys’ Association, Terra Nova Films, NCALL, OVW

29. Meeting Older Victims Where They Are At
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30. Strengths Based Response
Builds on victim’s strengths, natural allies and support networks
Uses empowerment and self-determination strategies
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31. Resiliency
Individuals have the capacity to make changes in their lives to respond to a difficult situation especially if certain conditions exist.
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32. Conditions That Support Resiliency
Care and support from others
 Belief in their ability to succeed
 Positive peer relationships & influence
Spiritual connection
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33. Victim-Centered Advocacy
“Seeks to craft alternatives that will enhance a victim’s safety, given the realities facing each victim” (Davies et.al, 1998)
Victim safety and self-determination are paramount and can restore some control to the victim
Requires active listening
NCALL, OVW (2012)

34. Questions to Consider Asking
What is working well?
What would you like to see continue?
Who has helped in the past and may be willing to help now?
If changes are successful, what would your life look like 6 months from now?
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35. Reasons Older Victims Remain in Relationships with Abusers (Small Group Exercise)
Internal personal values that the victim holds
Abuser tactics used to make it difficult for a victim to leave
Societal influences that create additional barriers and obstacles
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36. Reasons Older Victims Stay – Internal Values (Large Group Discussion)
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37. Reasons Older Victims Stay – Internal Values (Teach-Behind)
Love for an adult child; not wanting to see a child go to prison or live on the streets
Family values and commitment to spouse/partner and children
Belief that the perpetrator will change
Belief that it may be safer for a victim to remain with the abuser than to leave
Belief that if the abuser receives help the abuse will end
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38. Reasons Older Victims Stay – Abuser Tactics (Large Group Discussion)
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39. Reasons Older Victims Stay – Abuser Tactics (Teach-Behind)
Threatening violence if the victim leaves
Threatening suicide and/or homicide
Blaming the victim and using guilt and justification to get the victim to stay
Isolating the victim from family, friends, and others
Manipulating the victim to believe they cannot make it on their own
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40. Reasons Older Victims Stay – Societal Influences (Large Group Discussion)
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41. Reasons Older Victims Stay – Societal Influences (Teach-Behind)
Lack of affordable housing options
Lack of system response and collaboration
Isolation of seniors in our society
Racism, ageism, and sexism that may affect delivery of services from agencies
Limited financial options
Lack of options for help for perpetrator
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42. Tips For Working With Older Victims
Understand – these are difficult decisions
Respect – these are the victim’s decisions
Support – it can be easy to fall into the trap of blaming the victim
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43. Tips For Working With Older Victims
Expect – victims may want contact with family and/or partners
Recognize – making major life changes takes time and is a process
Collaborate – working with other professionals can help our understanding of victims choices
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44. Let Victims Know
It is not unusual to return to or maintain contact with an abuser
Acknowledge that these are difficult decisions
Call anytime: help is available
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45. What You Can Do
Create a plan to maintain contact (if safe and the victim is interested)
Provide information and referrals
Be clear about options and outcomes
Create a safety plan with the victim
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46. Break
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47. Planning for Victim Safety
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48. Planning For Victim Safety (Large Group Discussion)
What do you focus on when thinking about victim safety?
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49. Planning For Safety Discussion
History of violence
Weapons in the home
Dangerous dogs or other pets
Environmental issues—rugs that are not secured to floors, hot water heaters set too hot, cords the victim may trip over
Are basic needs meet—food, heat, water, phone?
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50. Safety Planning Process to jointly create a plan to enhance safety 50
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51. A Survivor-Centered Plan
Where will the victim live?
Does the victim have access to resources? Are these resources available?
Are there health issues that affect the options available to the victim?
Who else is affected by the abuse?
What legal issues need to be addressed in the safety plan?
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52. Issues to Explore
What are the victim’s concerns if she decides to leave her abuser?
What has the victim tried to stay safe in the past?  How did it work?
Has she left before?  If so, what happened?
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53. Issues to Explore
How does the victim think the abuser might react if changes are made?
What is the timeframe for the victim’s safety plan?  (staying or leaving)
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54. Video: Ruth National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
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55. Safety Planning Strategies (Large Group Discussion)
What are some strategies the woman
in the video used as part of her safety
plan?
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56. Strategies Used (Teach-Behind)
Copied papers at the school
Stored money under the porch
Red towels as a signal of trouble
Code word as a signal of trouble
Spare set of keys
Extra medications in a safe place
A plan to leave house/room
Identified potential weapons in the house and rooms to avoid during an attack
NCALL, OVW (2012)

57. Tessa and Valerie (Page 17 in Workbook)
Life partners for seven years
Tessa uses a wheelchair or cane to get around
Valerie is emotionally abusive
Valerie threatened to kill Tessa and herself when Tessa asked her to leave
NCALL, OVW (2012)

58. Safety Planning with Tessa (Small Group Exercise)
What are some of Tessa’s strengths and natural supports?
What are some of Tessa’s concerns?
What options might you discuss with her to create a safety plan?
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59. What are some of Tessa’s Strengths and Natural Supports
What are some of Tessa’s Strengths and Natural Supports? (Large Group Discussion)
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60. Strengths and Natural Supports (Teach-Behind)
She has a job
She owns her own home
She has friends at work and in the community
She has a good relationship with her adult children and mother
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61. What are some of Tessa’s concerns? (Large Group Discussion)
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62. Tessa’s Concerns (Teach-Behind)
She is afraid of Valerie.
She is afraid that her mother will find out about her relationship with Valerie.
She is concerned that she will lose friends.
She is concerned that Valerie will commit suicide.
She is afraid Valerie is monitoring her activities using technology.
She is concerned about finances since Valerie currently controls the money.
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63. Safety Planning Options to Discuss (Large Group Discussion)
What safety planning options did you consider with Tessa?
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64. Safety Planning Options to Consider with Tessa (Teach-Behind)
Code word, signal like the red towel, getting copies of papers, saving money
Discuss the gun and other weapons
Explore the pros and cons of a protection order
Discuss options for a phone
Discuss her support system
Find out what she tried in the past and how it worked
Discuss how Valerie might react to decisions/choices
Discuss any financial issues
NCALL, OVW (2012)

65. Tessa: What If… (Large Group Discussion)
Has moderate dementia
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66. Moderate Dementia (Teach-Behind)
Is there a caring individual/family member who could look in on Tessa?
Could services be brought into the home so there are more eyes and ears watching?
Be sure health care providers and home health aides know if an APS or criminal investigation is taking place if the abuser is Tessa’s care provider.
NCALL, OVW (2012)

67. Tessa: What If (Large Group Discussion)
Does not speak English
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68. Does Not Speak English (Teach-Behind)
Use a language line or certified interpreter to assist with safety planning.
Do not use family members as interpreters.  
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69. Tessa: What If (Large Group Discussion)
Does not want to leave pets or garden
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70. Does Not Want to Leave Pets or Garden (Teach-Behind)
Obtain a restraining/protective order to remove Valerie so Tessa can remain in the home.
Find out if the Humane Society or other animal- friendly agency can provide shelter or foster care for pets or livestock.
Find out if the court can include pets in a restraining/protective order.
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71. Existing Services for Older Victims
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72. First Call (Interactive Exercise)
Domestic violence program
Sexual assault program
Adult protective services
Criminal justice
Aging services
Family members or friends
Other
No one
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73. Scenario1
Age 58. Partner calls you “fat and stupid.” Partner takes your paycheck, puts you on an allowance and monitors your phone calls.
Who would you call first?
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74. Scenario 2
Age 68. Partner has broken your wrist and threatened to kill you if you leave.
Who would you call first?
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75. Scenario 3
Age 73. Partner had cancer and died last year. Your adult son has moved in and is stealing your Social Security check and pension.
Who would you call first?
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76. Scenario 4 Age 75. Adult son forces you to watch pornography with him.
Who would you call first?
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77. Scenario 5
Age 80. You have a heart condition and need assistance with activities of daily living. Son is not giving you your meds properly. Does not assist with bathing and feeding. Fires all home health aides and others who try to help you.
Who would you call first?
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78. First Call Discussion (Large Group Discussion)
How did you feel about the choices available to you?
Other
No one
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79. First Call Discussion (Large Group Discussion)
Male victims
Gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender older victims
Immigrant victims
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80. Break
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81. Who Might be Involved Advocates Aging Network Faith Leaders
Health Professionals
Adult Protective Agencies
Friends
Private Law Firm
Ombudsman
Family
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82. Primary Victim Services
Adult Protective Services
Aging Network
Domestic Violence Programs
Sexual Assault Programs
Systems-based victim advocate
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83. APS Eligibility criteria (age based or vulnerable adult)
Who generally reports?
What is your confidentiality policy?
Add number to call to report
When are workers available: (e.g., M – F business hours; 24 hours/365 days a year)
Use more than one slide if necessary
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84. APS In what timeframe do you respond to report?
What is involved in an investigation?
Do you offer victim services or do you refer or both?
Use more than one slide if necessary
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85. Aging Network Describe who you serve (e.g., 60+)
List services that are available through various agencies in the community
What is your confidentiality policy?
Phone # to call (or website)
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86. Domestic Violence Program
Who do you serve? (e.g., women and men; only IPV or other relationships)
How do victims reach you? Include phone number but also let folks know if you only receive calls or if you reach out to victims.
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87. Domestic Violence Program
What is your confidentiality policy?
List hours open
What services to you offer that are specifically tailored for older adults?
Use more than one slide if necessary
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88. Sexual Assault Program
Who do you serve?
How do victims reach you? Include phone number but also let folks know if you only receive calls or if you reach out to victims.
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89. Sexual Assault Program
What is your confidentiality policy?
List hours open
What services to you offer that are specifically tailored for older adults?
Use more than one slide if necessary.
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90. Systems-based Victim Advocate
Who do you serve? (e.g., only victims who report crimes?)
How do victims reach you? Include phone number but also let folks know if you only receive calls or if you reach out to victims.
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91. Systems-based Victim Advocate
List hours open
What services to you offer that are specifically tailored for older adults?
Use more than one slide if necessary.
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92. Additional Considerations
Who specializes in working with persons with physical limitations?
Who specializes in working with persons with cognitive limitations?
Who works with the Deaf community?
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93. Additional Considerations
Who works with older lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender victims?
Who can work with older immigrant victims? What legal assistance and/or services can these agencies provide?
Who works with non-English speaking victims?
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94. Notes and Reflections (Page 23 in Workbook)
Jot down thoughts you have from this session
Are there ideas you want to take back to your organization?
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95. Collaboration
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96. Collaboration The act of working together; united labor 96
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97. Informal Methods of Collaboration
Joint interviews
Case consultations
Referrals and follow-ups
Working an a project, fundraiser, or public awareness campaign together
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98. Formal Methods of Collaboration
Case review teams: Multidisciplinary
Systems Change: Coordinated community response councils or fatality review teams
Topic specific: Financial exploitation teams
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99. Benefits of Collaboration
More resources for victims
New ideas about how to approach a case
A more seamless response to victims and offenders
Shared ownership and responsibility for case outcomes
Less “finger pointing”
Victim safety
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100. Some Challenges
Understanding each other’s framework for approaching cases
Information sharing and confidentiality
Turf
Ego
Lack of resources
Lack of understanding of what other agencies can and cannot do
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101. Confidentiality
Guiding principle of domestic and sexual violence victim advocates
Required with most domestic violence funding including VAWA
Assists with building relationship with victims and increases victim safety
Requires advocates to balance confidentiality requirements and benefits of collaboration
NCALL, OVW (2012)

102. Case Review: Marta and Terrell (Small Group Exercise)
Silently, review your professional scenario of this case and then give an overview to the team at your table
Discuss your role and what services/remedies your agency can offer Marta
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103. Marta and Terrell Collaboration (Large Group Discussion)
What did you learn from this experience?
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104. Different Information
Different Information? (Large Group Discussion) (Participants Workbook page )
What different information did you have from others at your table?
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105. Different Information (Teach-Behind)
APS aware of possible financial exploitation and health issues
 Domestic violence advocate had information about how fearful Marta was of Terrell and about the weapons in the house
The sexual assault advocate aware of bruising on Marta’s breast and inner thighs suggesting the possibility of a sexual assault
Systems-based victim advocate aware of criminal charges against Terrell and learned Marta not available to talk on the phone
Home health service organization aware of a decline in Marta’s health and the missing dog
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106. What is our Common Ground? (Large Group Discussion)
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106

107. Common Ground (Teach-Behind)
Focus on victim safety
Wanting a better life for the victim
Wanting the abuse to stop
Wanting to improve current responses
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108. How can our Different Approaches Benefit Victims
How can our Different Approaches Benefit Victims? (Large Group Discussion)
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109. Benefits in Different Approaches (Teach-Behind)
More complete picture
Victim autonomy and safety
Coordination of services
Provides more resources and less duplication of services
More holistic approach
Overcome agency limitations
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110. Victim-Centered Approach
Respect victim confidentiality and privacy
Keep focused on victim safety and offender accountability
Avoid assumptions about what is best victims
Take direction from victims
Work together to overcome barriers and obstacles
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111. Summary
Life experience and societal influences may impact working with older survivors of abuse.
Meeting victims where they are at will improve the services provided.
A victim-driven safety plan is crucial for victim safety.
Collaboration improves victim safety and understanding between agencies.
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112. Notes and Reflections (Page 23 in Workbook)
What would you like to see happen in your community?
Are there ideas you want to take back to your organization?
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113. Questions and Wrap-Up
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114. Questions
Final questions?
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115. Four Keys Focus on victim safety Be aware of and avoid assumptions
Recognize abuser tactics
Work collaboratively
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116. Why We Do This Work NCALL, OVC and Terra Nova Films
116
Insert Sam & Lois: Getting Free video
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117. Thank you!
Please complete your evaluations
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118. Trainers Contact Information
Add trainers’ contact info
Add trainers’ contact info
NCALL, OVW (2012)