There are more than 3 million LGBTQ+ older adults currently living in the United States and this number is expected to rise to 7 million by 2050. Although this population is becoming more visible, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 65 percent of older LGBTQ+ adults have been victimized.

In an effort to address this rising tide of violence against the older LGBTQ+ community in Illinois, the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), in collaboration with AgeLinc (Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland), has launched a new LGBTQ+ Older Adult Violence Prevention Program, “OUTSafe.”

OUTSafe is a free, two-hour cultural competency and anti-violence training program for service professionals working with LGBTQ+ older adults, including social service providers, law enforcement, medical and healthcare providers, and educators. OUTSafe helps these providers identify issues that may prevent LGBTQ+ older adults from reporting violence or other forms of abuse. The training program also helps people working with older LGBTQ+ adults create a safe space for sharing the needs of this population.

This SYNC session will lead attendees through the OUTSafe curriculum and resources, offering providers in the field an essential tool to address older adult victimization and a guide for creating safe spaces and safer institutions for older LGBTQ+ adults.