What is the Elder Abuse Initiative?
The Elder Abuse Initiative is a cooperative partnership between Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging, the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, the Iowa Department of Human Services, area health and human services providers, law enforcement and others concerned with the well being of Iowa’s at-risk seniors.

Awareness and Education
Awareness of the problem of elder abuse is the key to reduce such abuse in Iowa. The Elder Abuse Initiative seeks to educate Iowans about the problems and the solutions. Elder Abuse Initiative Prevention Coordinators are available for:

• Presentations about awareness, detection, and prevention of elder abuse to community groups and organizations.
• Individual information and assistance.
• Training of Mandatory Reporters
• Trainer Certification

Prevention and Intervention
Intervention is a multi-part process as the Elder Abuse Initiative Prevention Coordinators assist at-risk seniors, their caregivers, family and friends. The Coordinator provides:

• A confidential referral and intake process
• An in-depth risk assessment
• A comprehensive service plan specific to the needs identified in the risk assessment.
• Follow-up and advocacy until the risk is reduced or eliminated.

Who is Eligible for Prevention/Intervention Services?

• Persons age 60 or older who are at-risk for abuse or have been abused.
  • Elders whose needs are not being met by themselves or others;
  • Elders who are a risk to themselves;
  • Caregivers who are experiencing difficulty in providing adequate or appropriate care;
  • Persons with multiple health and social needs;
• Abuse or risk for abuse can be physical, sexual, financial or denial or care (neglect) by either a caregiver of the elder themselves. See Signs of Abuse here.

Who Makes the Decisions?
All adults, unless an adult has been declared incompetent by the court, possess the right to make decisions, even if those decisions appear unwise or unhealthy. Elder Abuse Initiative staff respect an elder’s right to accept or reject assistance or services. Only in cases of imminent danger will staff seek involuntary assistance.

Contacting the Elder Abuse Initiative
Intervention is currently available on a limited basis in some of HVAAA’s 10 county service area while full intervention services are available in Grundy, Hardin, Marshall and Tama counties.

Education and Awareness is available in all of HVAAA’s 10 counties.

You may contact the Elder Abuse Initiative by:  
Phone:  (641) 751-3045
(319) 231-1623
800)779-8707
E-mail:  
dshepard@hvaaa.org
kshannon@hvaaa.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Iowa Department of Human Services remains the investigative agency for Dependent Adult Abuse. If you suspect dependent adult abuse you should immediately call the toll free Abuse Hotline at 800-362-2178.