The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) received funding from The National Resource Center for Reaching Victims of Crime (funded by the U.S. Office of Victims of Crime) to conduct a national Assessment of Facilitators and Barriers for Tribal Practitioners in Elder Abuse Screening and Management.
Recognizing that elder abuse causes negative health outcomes, trauma, and risk of premature death in victims. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) have been found to have a higher prevalence of abuse in an already vulnerable population that is growing faster than the non-minority population. IA2’s broad goal is to promote and implement screenings, referrals, and interventions for elders who are victims of abuse. Currently there is no research in this area, this needs assessment will interview and survey practitioners serving AIAN elders to understand current needs and experiences in recognizing and managing elder abuse in their practices. The needs assessment will be a critical first step towards addressing elder abuse in AIAN communities.
The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) is a 501(c)3 association that works to identify and implement the most effective solutions to the most significant issues facing American Indians, Alaska Natives, and indigenous peoples. IA2 focuses on the rights of elders and educating the public, policymakers, and practitioners on indigenous elders and their needs. The current project concept, and a future, larger screening implantation, evolved from IA2’s ongoing collaborations with elders, tribes, AIAN organizations, and victim services.
Jolie Crowder and Dr. Linda Carson will serve as project co-principal investigators.