St. Croix County is set to enhance its support for older victims of abuse following the recent award of a significant grant aimed at addressing violence against individuals aged 50 and older. The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women awarded this grant to the county in October 2024, marking a pivotal step in combating domestic abuse, neglect, and exploitation among older adults.

The grant focuses on three primary areas: training, service enhancement, and community collaboration. First, it aims to strengthen training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim service organizations. A team of local professionals, including members from the sheriff's office and district attorney's office, will undergo a comprehensive training program in St. Louis next week. This initiative will equip them with the necessary skills to better respond to incidents of elder abuse.

In addition to training, the grant emphasizes the importance of enhancing services for older victims. Surveys have been distributed to community members and professionals to gather insights on how to improve support for elder abuse victims. Over 70 responses have already been collected, which will inform the development of an outreach and services strategic plan to be submitted for approval.

The third focus of the grant involves establishing a multidisciplinary community response team. This team will consist of representatives from various service agencies who will meet regularly to review policies and improve communication regarding elder abuse cases. A kickoff event for this team is scheduled for August 20, where community members are encouraged to participate.

These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling elder abuse in St. Croix County, with the potential to significantly improve the lives of older residents facing violence and exploitation. As the county moves forward with these plans, the collaboration among local agencies and community members will be crucial in creating a safer environment for all.