The Department for the Aging directly, and through a network of community-based agencies, sponsors elder abuse prevention activities for older New Yorkers and provides counseling and supportive services to victims of elder abuse in New York City.

Elder Abuse Defined.

Elder abuse is any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person holding a trusting relationship with a vulnerable older adult, which causes harm or a serious risk of harm to that older adult including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm, or neglect, abandonment or confinement.

Resource Center

The Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center provides direct resource and referral to victims of elder abuse and also coordinates our education and prevention efforts around this important agency mission. The Elderly Crime Victims Program within DFTA can be contacted by phone from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday (311). After hours, callers are routed to Safe Horizon's hotline to ensure 24/7 assistance.

Community-Based Resources

The Department also contracts with nine community-based service providers to provide direct services to victims of elder abuse, as well as develop prevention activities. Service providers provide long-term case management services, including securing orders of protection; providing long-term counseling; accompanying victims to court; examining powers of attorney and other legal documents; working with police to place victims on high propensity lists; and working closely with District Attorneys to aid in prosecution of cases.

Outreach & Education

The Department views education as the first line of defense in preventing elder abuse. DFTA conducts ongoing training and education on this topic for the staff of senior centers, case management agencies, home care providers and other aging professionals. DFTA also conducts ongoing training for Adult Protective Services supervisors and staff to enhance their skills in recognizing elder abuse and providing effective interventions for victims. We also conduct elder abuse trainings every other month to students in the Personal Care Aide Program offered through DFTA and HRA BEGIN Program.

Community Resources

Many resources exist in the community to assist victims of elder abuse. See Comprehensive Community Listing.