Although elder abuse is a topic familiar to many Americans, elder sexual abuse remains often overlooked—despite its prevalence and the damage it can cause. Elder sexual abuse is a distinct form of victimization in which victims’ age and health further complicate the particular challenges that every sexual abuse/assault case presents for the courts. This curriculum explores the research on elder sexual abuse and its implications for civil and criminal courts.

Participants in this curriculum will learn to:

• Identify the types of elder sexual abuse and those who are at highest risk for abuse
• Explain how victim impact in elder sexual abuses cases differs from younger victims
• Recognize typical characteristics of sex offenders who target elders
• Help elders describe their experiences and gain access to the courts
• Know key questions to assess whether consent was present
• Minimize jury bias in elder sexual abuse cases
• Sentence elder sexual abuse offenders appropriately
• Identify resources to improve courts’ handling of elder sexual abuse cases

NJEP’s curriculum is available at no charge for a variety of uses: it can be utilized as the basis for in-person trainings and webinars or reviewed by individuals online. The curriculum can be adapted to local laws and practices 

The curriculum consists of a faculty manual for teachers, a Power Point presentation with suggested commentary, exercises for participants, and handouts for participants. 

Download the Entire Module as a Single .zip File