Answers in Aging
and Abuse
USC’s Center for Elder Justice brings together the wide-range of solutions, research, expertise, and projects aimed to bring awareness to elder mistreatment and abuse.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
EXPLORE OUR PROJECTS
See what experts, researchers, and partners across all schools and departments of the university are doing to eradicate elder abuse.
Multidisciplinary Teams & Forensic Accountants
Cases of elder financial exploitation are often complex, involving deceptive tactics, multiple accounts, and thousands of financial documents. Multidisciplinary teams bring together the professionals needed to respond, but core members frequently lack the specialized skills and time to untangle intricate financial transactions. Over the past decade, forensic accountants have become valuable partners in this work.
Geriatric-Injury Documentation Tool (Geri-IDT)
Standardization in tools and documentation of child abuse and intimate partner violence have proven helpful in completely documenting injuries and suspected abuse among these populations. Similar tools do not yet exist for older adults and elder abuse. The purpose of this project was to 1) use insights from experts to develop a tool to assist with documentation when an older person has an injury. When one injury is noted, a head-to-toe exam to look for other injuries is warranted. Photograph physical findings if possible. In a case of suspected sexual abuse, follow the appropriate protocols.
Get Involved
It’s up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse. Students, academic departments, and policymakers are encouraged to join us in taking a stand. Learn more about opportunities to participate in research and education to address elder mistreatment.
Remembering JUDITH D. TAMKIN
The National Center on Elder Abuse honors philanthropist Judith D. Tamkin who passed away on February 16th at the age of 92. Mrs. Tamkin was a staunch supporter of elder justice who had a profound and enduring impact on the field.
Her endowed gift supporting the biennial Tamkin International Symposia on Elder Abuse, the preeminent convening of elder abuse researchers, and practitioners provides a forum for the exchange of critical ideas and novel practices within the field. Launched in 2015 with a gift from Mrs. Tamkin, the Symposia have inspired innovations, collaborations, and national policy. The Tamkin Scholars’ Award, which enables promising young scholars to attend the Symposia, has fueled the careers of numerous graduate students who have grown into acclaimed researchers. Mrs. Tamkin’s contributions have also supported the USC Center for Elder Justice, delivering critical information and resources to professionals and the public regarding elder mistreatment.
As Mrs. Tamkin’s generosity continues to propel the field and inspire innovation, her life, legacy, and passion for elder justice will always be remembered with gratitude by her friends at USC.
Upcoming Event
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
June 15, 2026
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 and recognized as a United Nations Observance in 2011. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Key Partners
Collaboration and partnership with core departments at the University of Southern California is what allows us to continue to grow and expand our research.
