Building coordinated community responses for older adults to feel seen, informed and empowered
July 22, 2025
By Sarah A. Marrs, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Gerontology College of Health Professions Virginia Commonwealth University
At the Virginia Center on Aging’s (VCoA) Elder Justice Learning and Research Hub, we’ve embarked on an innovative, person-centered, and multi-faceted approach to put heart, hope, and humanity at the center of ending elder mistreatment in Virginia and beyond.
Let’s Engage Faith Communities on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 4, 2025
By: Alyson Morse Katzman, Co-Director, Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is coming up on June 15. WEAAD provides opportunities to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults. While it is only one day, we at Safe Havens observe the “day” throughout the month of June.
Life, Death, and Dignity
May 8, 2025
By: Traci Arieli
My parents are in their 80s, and I am as old as they were when I moved to California years ago. Like many of my generational peers, I have come to the realization that my parents are entering the last phase of their lives. Some of my friends have already lost their parents, and I have seen many people die in my role as an end-of-life doula (or death doula).
Raise the Alarm About Relationship Investment Scams
April 8, 2025
By: Melanie T. Devoe, Director, Customer Education and Outreach, CFTC
Scammers use smart phones, social media, and cryptocurrency to steal billions of dollars from Americans. One of the most devastating scams is a mash-up of romance and investment fraud led by large-scale, international organized crime gangs.
Using Art and Music to Combat Romance Scams
March 25, 2025
By: Anna Hairston, MSW, LSW
Romance scams represent a significant and ever-growing concern, with victims losing both a relationship and their money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scammers swindled around $240 million from older adults in 2022. How is this possible?