Press Release  Law Enforcement Commemorate Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Responsive Training

LYNNFIELD — In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) partnered with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the Belmont Police Department, and Springwell, a community-based service provider, to deliver a comprehensive Elder Abuse Investigations Training yesterday at the MPTC Lynnfield Academy. Recognizing the complexity of addressing this often-silent problem, state and local experts developed this training to equip 46 Massachusetts law enforcement officers with the necessary knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively identify, investigate and respond appropriately to cases of elder abuse.

“Our Administration remains committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our most vulnerable residents.” Governor Maura Healey said. “By leveraging the collective expertise of both state and community service agencies, trainings like this contribute to strengthening a safer environment for seniors and facilitating a swift, victim-centered response when needed.”

“Elder Abuse can affect anyone, including those who are healthy, ailing, or living with a disability,” Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll said.  “Together, we ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of our neighbors and loved ones by raising awareness and providing officers with tools to address predatory behaviors.”

This Elder Abuse Investigations Training provides awareness about services for older adults and resources for officers, including law enforcement best practices around investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The training also included an in-depth panel discussion on relevant topics related to elder abuse, fostering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by both victims and investigators. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that 10% of Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse totaling at least $36.5 billion of annual financial abuse loss. One study also estimates that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.

“Yesterday’s elder abuse program responds to the growing number of dangerous, predatory behaviors targeting seniors in our communities,” Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy said. “Advanced law enforcement training and strong community partnerships are instrumental to enhancing investigations, working effectively with older victims and holding perpetrators accountable. I commend the participating officers as well as our partners at Springwell and the Attorney General’s Office for their dedication to the important work of protecting vulnerable residents.” 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with both state and community partners to deliver critical training to officers across the Commonwealth.” MPTC Executive Director Robert Ferullo (Ret. Police Chief) said. “By equipping law enforcement with the latest knowledge, skills and community resources necessary to respond and combat elder abuse, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our most vulnerable community members.”

“Elder abuse is a problem that not only impacts the health, safety, and dignity of elders, but all of us,” Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said. “We owe our seniors more than just our respect. With partnerships and trainings like these, we have an opportunity to share best practices and take action to address the mistreatment, abuse, exploitation, and neglect seniors face.”

“Springwell’s Protective Services Program is there to respond whenever a report of elder abuse is made, and we are committed to the goal of alleviating the risk to the elder and supporting their safety, health, and independence. Our team is on the ground, working directly with the older adult, and often their family, as well as our partner organizations, to achieve the best possible outcome. We bring understanding to complex situations, working to respect the elder’s decisions and meet them where they are at, and that often gets us to the goal of safety.” Springwell Protective Services Program Manager Elisa Espinal said.

“The best way to combat Elder Abuse is through a unified effort.” Belmont Police Department Lieutenant Kristin Daley said.

In addition to elder abuse, MPTC provides specialized training in a variety of topics to equip officers with tools to respond swiftly and professionally. More information can be found here.

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