Elder Justice Initiative
Supporting Prosecutors in the Fight Against Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a growing concern across the country, with older adults increasingly becoming targets of neglect, exploitation, and violence. Prosecutors play a critical role in seeking justice for these vulnerable victims. The NDAA Elder Justice Initiative provides prosecutors with essential resources, technical assistance, and training to support their work in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting elder abuse cases.
This initiative brings together leading experts, legal tools, and educational materials to ensure prosecutors have the knowledge and support needed to hold offenders accountable while prioritizing victim safety. Whether you need case-specific guidance, connections to other prosecutors, or access to cutting-edge research, our initiative is designed to enhance your ability to effectively handle elder abuse cases.
Elder Justice Initiative Publications
Prosecutors’ Challenges in Elder Abuse Cases: Navigating Decision-Making Capacity and Consent Defenses
The need for this discussion is undeniable. Over the past two decades, research shows prosecutions for elder abuse have steadily increased. Still, many cases remain unreported or are not prosecuted, especially when concerns arise about a victim’s decision-making capacity. Uncertainty around capacity, combined with limited or unclear evidence, often prevents cases from advancing—leaving older victims without the justice they deserve.
Learn more about prosecutor’ challenges by reading the full white paper here.
Get Support for Your Elder Abuse Cases
The fight against elder abuse requires collaboration. The links below provide direct access to key national organizations that offer research, policy guidance, and victim support resources.
- Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) – DOJ’s initiative to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation
- Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) – Tools for law enforcement and prosecutors handling elder abuse cases
- National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) – Training and advocacy resources for justice professionals
- National Council on Aging (NCOA) – Research and policy recommendations on elder abuse prevention
- National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) – Comprehensive reports and tools for legal professionals
- CDC Elder Abuse Prevention Resources – Public health insights on elder mistreatment
Connect with Experts in Elder Abuse Prosecution
Navigating elder abuse cases can be complex, but you are not alone. Our Contacts page provides direct access to experienced prosecutors who have agreed to be listed as resources for their peers. Whether you need strategic guidance or insight into a particular legal challenge, these professionals are available to help.
Name | Jurisdiction | |
Alison Martin | Henrico Co, VA | Mar189@henrico.us |
Kimberly Zachrison | South Dakota AG | Kimberly.zachrison@state.sd.us |
William Johnson | Pros. Atty Council of GA | wjohnson@pacga.org |
Melinda Tempelis | Outagamie Co., WI | Melinda.tempelis@da.wi.gov |
Sara Sadowski | Milwaukee Co. WI | Sara.sadowski@da.wi.gov |
Christian Stringer | Oregon AG | Christian.stringer@doj.state.or.us |
Joanne Sheldon | 4th District AG – TN | sjsheldn@tndagc.org |
Kailyn Heston | Polk Co IA | Kailyn.Heston@polkcountyiowa.gov |
Jordan Ford | NC Fin. Crime Conf. | Jordan.m.ford@nccourts.org |
Marina Spahr | N. Dakota AG | mspahr@nd.gov |
Matthew Hansen | Davis Co. UT | mhansen@co.davis.ut.us |
Francine Norz | 14th District – S. Carolina | fnorz@scsolicitor14.org |
Chelsey McHugh | Salt Lake Co. UT | CMcHugh@slco.org |
Monique Gudger | Wash DC AG | Monique,gudger@dc.gov |
Jaymi Sterling | St. Mary’s Co. MD | jaymi.sterling@stmaryscountymd.gov |
Jill Hollander | Fulton Co. GA | jill.hollander@fultoncountyga.gov |
Jim Seeger | Maricopa Co AZ | seegerj@mcao.maricopa.gov |
Bill Archer | Vinton Co OH | billvcpa@gmail.com |
Paul Greenwood | San Diego, CA (Ret) | pgreendda@gmail.com |
Jane Walsh | Denver CO | Jane.walsh@denverda.org |
Elen Klem | Oregon DOJ | Ellen.klem@doj.state.or.us |
Lisa Marie Bristol | Gwinnett Co GA | Lisamarie.bristol@gwinnettcounty.com |
Catherine Vannier | St. Louis MO | Catherine.vannier@prosecutors.mo.gov |
Peter Tempelis | Waukesha Co. WI | Peter.tempelis@da.wi.gov |
Bryan Townsend | NH DOJ | Bryan.j.townsend@doj.nh.gov |
Vered Adoni | Bergen Co. NJ | vadoni@bcpo.net |
Colleen Baharav | Clark Co. NV | Colleen.baharav@clarkcountyda.com |
Margaret Gallagher | Yellowstone Co. MT | mgallagher@yellowstonecountymt.gov |
Jodie Schumacher | Richland Co. OH | jschumacher@richlandcountyoh.gov |
Janine Launay | Manhattan DAs | LaunayJ@dany.nyc.gov |
Page Ulrey | King Co WA | Page.ulrey@kingcounty.gov |
Allysa Gambarella | NDAA | agambarella@ndaajustice.org |
Connect with Experts in Elder Abuse Prosecution
Navigating elder abuse cases can be complex, but you are not alone. Our Contacts page provides direct access to experienced prosecutors who have agreed to be listed as resources for their peers. Whether you need strategic guidance or insight into a particular legal challenge, these professionals are available to help.
Elder Abuse Forum
A secure, members-only platform where prosecutors can discuss emerging issues, exchange strategies, and collaborate on complex cases. Click here to create an account and get started today.
Technical Assistance Request
If you need case-specific support, submit a request to NDAA’s team for expert guidance on prosecuting elder abuse.