The Chattanooga Family Justice Center was one of four entities selected by the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) to receive a $376,950 Federal Grant under the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program.
The funds will help the FJC address elder justice issue for the next three years.
A total of $1,499,561 was awarded to four states under this grant. The Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program addresses elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking against victims who are 50 years of age or older, through training and services.
Through the support of this grant, the FJC will host a free conference for the community on trauma-informed responses to elder abuse on Friday, Oct. 25.
This daylong conference will have such topics as Neuroscience and the Aging Brain, Current Research on Trauma and The Aging Brain, Best Practice working with Elders, Cultural Awareness and Aging, Polyvictimization in later life, Organizational responses to aging and a panel discussion.
“The aging population is growing rapidly with thousands of people reaching 55 and older every single day. Local governments and non-profit organizations need to have an understanding of the unique needs of this aging population, including how trauma can impact an individual during their lifetime. This conference will provide current research-based knowledge and strategies to enhance existing services in the community that serve our older citizens,” said Dr. Valerie Radu, executive director of the FJC. “We are grateful for the resources available through this grant which supports this conference and the victim services provided specifically to elders at the FJC.”
Duke Han will serve as the keynote speaker. Dr. Han is a diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology in clinical neuropsychology, director of Neuropsychology in the Department of Family Medicine, and an associate professor of Family Medicine, Neurology, Psychology and Gerontology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
To register for this free conference, call 643-7603 or send an email to: fjc@chattanooga.gov.
All services offered through the FJC are free to any resident of the City or Hamilton County. Key community partners who collaborate on the grant and conference include St. Alexius Outreach Ministries, Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Chattanooga Police Department/Special Victims Unit & Missing Persons and the Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults.
The Family Justice Center encourages the community to use the 24-hour hotline, 423-755-2700, at the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults to access safe shelter for victims of domestic violence. If you have a concern about an elder in your community, you are encouraged to reach out to the FJC Elder Justice Specialist/Clinical Liaison by calling 643-7627.
The community is invited to reach out to the FJC to request presentations, trainings or other types of participation. "Inviting speakers with expertise to church, civic and business functions is essential to increasing awareness and understanding," officials said.