The Role of the Criminal Justice System in Elder Abuse Cases

Abstract

The criminal justice system can provide a powerful tool for protecting victims of elder abuse by communicating a message to the offender that the conduct is unlawful and reprehensible and by assisting the offender in ending the criminal behavior. This paper addresses the benefits of involving law enforcement and the courts and describes law enforcement, prosecution, and court procedures applicable to an elder abuse case. The role of adult protective service staff in identifying elder abuse through their routine contact with clients is discussed.