OVC announces the release of the International Association of Forensic Nurses' (IAFN's) "Nursing Response to Elder Mistreatment Curriculum."

This downloadable resource helps nurses acquire essential knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to elder mistreatment. It is designed to prepare nurses to integrate nursing and forensic sciences into the care of vulnerable older adults who have been mistreated or are at high risk for mistreatment by trusted others.

The curriculum includes modules that cover topics such as:

• Scope and Nature of Elder Mistreatment
• Laws and Policies Related to Elder Mistreatment
• Screening and Assessment for Elder Mistreatment
• Forensic Evidence in Elder Mistreatment Cases
• Documentation in Elder Mistreatment Cases

While no national, formalized elder abuse curriculum or national-level education programs to build nurses' basic forensic skills exist, IAFN and OVC hope this curriculum provides nurses the opportunity to improve their responses in elder mistreatment cases.