Combating Elder Abuse Through the Legal Process

The experiences of attorneys and law students who provide legal services to a predominantly elderly population through the legal clinic of a rural law school are described in this article. The steps taken to identify abuse cases at intake are elucidated along with the action taken by attorneys to end abuse and remedy past abuse. Emphasis is placed on a close working relationship with social service providers who can ensure that needed services are provided the victims of abuse, in addition to moral support and encouragement while legal procedures are pursued. The formal and informal legal procedures that can be used to combat elder abuse are also outlined. A need for public education and advocacy to alert older people and service providers to both the problem and its potential solutions is stressed.