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1994.09.15 : Elder Abuse Study

Contact:  Moya Benoit Thompson     (202) 401-4541
Thursday, Sept. 15, 1994                  

          ELDER ABUSE STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED BY AOA AND ACF


     HHS assistant secretaries Fernando M. Torres-Gil and Mary Jo
Bane today announced a first-time collaborative effort between the
Administration on Aging and the Administration for Children and
Families in funding an investigation of the national incidence of
elder abuse.  

     The study will examine the abuse, neglect and exploitation of
elderly persons in domestic settings, including on Native American
tribal reservations.

     The study will be planned and conducted by the National Center
on Elder Abuse, which is currently funded by AoA.  Total costs of
the study are estimated at $320,728 per year for three years.  ACF
will fund $250,000 for fiscal year 1994 and AoA's share will be
$70,728.

     In signing the agreement, Torres-Gil said, "Elder abuse is not
an individual problem, but a family and societal problem.  This
important agreement not only focuses attention on the critical issue
of elder abuse, but it also demonstrates our commitment within the
department to fostering new partnerships to address our common
concerns."

     AoA and ACF have a joint interest in studying elder abuse,
neglect and exploitation.  AoA is mandated to support a National 
Center on Elder Abuse, and the ACF administers the Family Violence
and Prevention Services Act. 

     Bane said, "Family violence, including elder abuse, is a major
concern of this department.  This agreement is our commitment to
better understand the nature, extent and incidence of this tragic
problem."

     In recent years the issue of elder abuse and neglect has
received increased public recognition as a widespread and urgent
problem.  The need for reliable and current data on the scope and
character of the problem is critical.  Some studies have indicated
that more than l.5 million older Americans may be the victims of
moderate to severe forms of physical, financial, psychological or
sexual abuse each year.

     Specific objectives of the National Center on Elder Abuse study
are to develop national information about the types and scope of
elder abuse, neglect and exploitation; to determine the
characteristics of elder abuse victims and perpetrators; to
determine elder abuse substantiation rates and types of elder abuse
reporters; and to assess national trends in the incidence of elder
abuse.  The goal of this study is to assist local program
administrators in designing appropriate elder abuse prevention and
treatment services nationwide.

     The interagency agreement will be effective through June 29,
1997.  For further information, please call Alfred P. Duncker,
director, Division of Research, Demonstrations and Training,
Administration on Aging, Washington, D.C.  (202) 619-1141.

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