Elder Abuse Prevention Project
The Problem:
Elder abuse is a prevalent and growing problem across the Commonwealth. Each year millions of older Americans, including thousands in Massachusetts, are abused, neglected, and exploited. However, despite the prevalence of elder abuse, it is one of the most unacknowledged problems in America.
Many older adults are vulnerable due to isolation, physical and/or mental impairments, and dependence on others, especially family members. This vulnerability makes them easy targets for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, financial exploitation, and fraud. A lack of access to effective geriatric mental health services is a contributing problem to the growing problem of elder abuse.
Issues of elder abuse arise frequently in our legal services elder law practice. This Project was designed to develop a systemic response to an important social justice issue.
Our Mission:
The Elder Abuse Prevention Project of GBLS is dedicated to ensuring that older adults in the greater Boston area live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. To carry out its mission, the EAPP:
- Provides trainings to care providers, community members, and seniors to increase public awareness
- Offers legal advice and representation to victims
- Advocates for systemic reform
- Builds local community networks that prevent and intervene in cases of abuse