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Elder Justice Initiative

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.

    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 Email
    Alison Martin Henrico County,  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 County, WI Melinda.tempelis@da.wi.gov
    Sara Sadowski Milwaukee County, 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 County, 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 County, UT mhansen@co.davis.ut.us
    Francine Norz 14th District – S. Carolina fnorz@scsolicitor14.org
    Chelsey McHugh Salt Lake County UT CMcHugh@slco.org
    Monique Gudger Wash DC AG Monique,gudger@dc.gov
    Jaymi Sterling St. Mary’s County, MD jaymi.sterling@stmaryscountymd.go
    Jill Hollander Fulton County, GA jill.hollander@fultoncountyga.gov
    Jim Seeger Maricopa County, AZ seegerj@mcao.maricopa.gov
    Bill Archer Vinton County, 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 County,  GA Lisamarie.bristol@gwinnettcounty.com
    Catherine Vannier St. Louis, MO Catherine.vannier@prosecutors.mo.gov
    Peter Tempelis Waukesha County, WI Peter.tempelis@da.wi.gov
    Bryan Townsend NH DOJ Bryan.j.townsend@doj.nh.gov
    Vered Adoni Bergen County, NJ vadoni@bcpo.net
    Colleen Baharav Clark County, NV Colleen.baharav@clarkcountyda.com
    Margaret Gallagher Yellowstone County, MT mgallagher@yellowstonecountymt.gov
    Jodie Schumacher Richland County, OH jschumacher@richlandcountyoh.gov
    Janine Launay Manhattan DAs LaunayJ@dany.nyc.gov
    Page Ulrey King County, 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.