Top Level Prosecutors, Detectives and Advocates Collaborate to Protect Maine’s Seniors

Brunswick, ME (July16, 2007) — In recent news, the Portland Press Herald’s editorial section and the front cover of the Sunday New York Times both reported on the pervasiveness of elder abuse, bringing to light the need to strengthen the systems that serve older adults. An estimated 12,000 cases of elder abuse occur each year in the state of Maine and 84% go unreported.

In Maine, the newly formed Elder Justice Training Partnership (EJTP), a statewide project funded by the Department of Justice, is answering this call through a collaborative intervention training program designed for law enforcement personnel and elder advocates.

Sharon Herrick, EJTP Project Coordinator says, “Beginning in late fall, the multidisciplinary team will go on the road and deliver statewide elder abuse training to law enforcement officers.
Sharon Herrick, EJTP Project Coordinator says, “Beginning in late fall, the multidisciplinary team will go on the road and deliver statewide elder abuse training to law enforcement officers.

Evert Fowle, District Attorney for Somerset and Kennebec counties says, “This project combines quality training, builds statewide relationships across disciplines and overall helps us protect victims and hold offenders accountable.”

For more information, please contact, Sharon Herrick, EJTP Project Coordinator at 207.233.3685 or email: sharon.herrick@voanne.org