Project Overview

The literature suggests that there is a lack of knowledge of the impact of domestic violence on older women among service providers and professionals. Some studies indicate that there is confusion among agencies as to what constitutes elder abuse verses domestic violence in later life. The limited training materials available may mean that practitioners lack the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of older battered women. A failure to recognize and respond to domestic abuse in an older women may lead to inappropriate referrals are potential unsafe outcomes. Key Players Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ronald Dolon, Ball State University, department of Social Work, rdolon@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1606. Community Partners: Laura Berry, Executive Director, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, (765) 285-1606. Jeanie Hamilton , CEO, Life Stream Services, (765) 285-759-1121. Purpose Statement Social workers have an understanding of the needs of older adults who have been exposed to violence. It is important that they have training on older battered women to assist with the issues unique to this form of victimization. Social workers who come in contact with victims of older battered women need to understand how they can help, and the local and national resources. The role of the social worker is to support the older battered women victims while advocating for their rights and help with legal, medical, employment, housing and criminal justice system. The students who participate in this immersive learning experience will gain an in-depth, hands-on knowledge of the real world concerns of older battered women. They will also gain a new respect for the collaboration of agencies that are providing services for older battered women.   Project Timeline The project will begin in January 2023 and will be completed during the Spring 2023 Semester. Tentative Timeline January • Organize students by roles and functions. February • Research information on risk factors and steps to prevent battering of older women. • Identify the signs and symptoms of battered older women. • Recognize characteristics of victims and perpetrators. • Strategies to improve the outcome for survivors of battering. March • Begin to develop the training manual and organize content April • Finalize the training manual May • Implement the training protocol and manual. Assessment Plan Students will work in teams to produce specific sections of the training manual. All sections of the manual must be accepted by the community partner as well as the instructor. The success of this project is also directly connected to the team’s ability to meet the needs of the client in an effective and professional manner. Assessment of the process will include a review of one’s ability to work both independently and in a team setting, gather and critically evaluate content, make constructive suggestions and decisions and to present findings. One’s engagement in the process will also be assessed, including the demonstration of leadership and initiative, consistency in contribution, ability to meet deadlines, and facilitating in and communicating with professionals involved and related to this project.

Students: Austin Altamura, Eliza Atterbury, Mary Bamonti, Brooke Beasley, Veronica Bedwell, Ashlyn Branch, Hannah Curtis Bullock, Hanna Check, Jada Copeland, Samantha Cruz, Katherine Davis, Lonyea Davis, Kendra Delph, Kenyalle Ford, Hannah Hawkins, Melissa Hernandez, Hailey Hess, Mia Jennings, Anna Kampe, Dylan Kedra, Melody Tial Lang, Brandon Lee, Anna-Lisse Lenard, Grace Linville, Liz Parker, Julia Rodgers, Sara Rusaw, Jayla Thompson, Dominique Wells-White, Ahsi Wiley, and William Workman.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ron Dolon
Community Partners: LifeStream Services, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence