National Resource Center for Reaching Victims 
Older Victims of Crime Social Media Toolkit 

Developed by The National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life 

 

Social media can be a critical tool in sharing the stories, needs, and 
barriers for older survivors of crime and abuse. We invite you to use this 
toolkit to help expand your networks' knowledge of and access to services 
for older survivors. 

 

How to Use this Toolkit: 

Below you will find tips for using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to 
bolster awareness on issues related to older victims of crime. Each section 
includes images, sample text, and hashtags for each social media outlet. 
You can use the text as-is or modify it to fit your needs. Additional 
resources/links are included in each section for your continued knowledge 
on each topic and to support your efforts in creating original social media 
content based on reliable information. Zip files are included with images 
sized properly for each social media outlet. Each file corresponds with a 
number given in this document. 

 

Considerations for Accessibility: 

Whenever posting any photos or graphics, we recommend including 
alternative text to make it accessible. Alternative text is nonvisible text that 
you add to an online image that explains the meaning of the image to 
people who are blind. Below are instructions for enabling alternative text 
adapted from the National Resource Center for Reaching Victims: 

 

Facebook: 

1. Facebook automatically adds alternative text for images, but it isn’t 
very precise. To expand and edit the alternative text: Click 
Photo/Video at the top of your News Feed. 
2. Select the photo you want to add. 
3. Click Edit Photo, then click Alt Text. 



4. The automatically generated text will be shown on the left side of your 
photo. Click Override generated alt text to edit it. 
5. Write your alt text in the box. 
6. If you wish to revert to the automatically generated text, click Clear. 
7. To save your alt text, click Save in the bottom right. 
8. To change alt text in a photo that is already posted, click on the 
image, click on “options” under the photo and click “change alt text.” 


 

Instagram: 

To include alternative text on Instagram: 

1. After adding your photo and writing your caption, click the “Advanced 
Settings” link at the bottom of your screen. 
2. Under the “Accessibility” heading click “Write Alt Text” 
3. To add alt text to an already posted image click the “…” to at the top 
right of your posted image 
4. Click Edit 
5. Click the “Edit Alt Text” link on the bottom right of your image. 


 

Twitter: 

To include alternative text on Twitter you must enable the app's alternative 
text feature: 

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy> Accessibility > and turn on Compose 
image descriptions. 
2. When you post a graphic, you’ll see a circle on the bottom right of the 
image that says +ALT. Click the +ALT circle to “Describe this image 
for the visually impaired.” 
3. Click on the Tweet compose button 
4. Attach your graphic(s) or photo(s). 
5. Open the thumbnail preview dialog by clicking on the thumbnail 
photo. 
6. Type your description of the image and click the Apply button. To 
edit the description, re-open the thumbnail preview dialog prior to 
posting the Tweet. 


 

To learn more about creating accessible social media visit the resources 
page on NRC website: http://reachingvictims.org/resource/tips-for-using-
accessible-social-media/ 


Hashtags: 

Hashtags help followers find content that interests them. Include hashtags 
to help draw in followers, and to have your content included in a broader 
range of feeds outside of your current follower list. Search your social 
media feeds for hashtags that makes the most sense to include in each 
post. Potential hashtags to include in your posts are: #OlderAdults 
#ElderAbuse #Aging #Ageism #Intersectionality #VictimServices 
#VictimCentered #AntiOppression #LGBTQ #AntiViolence 
#GenderBasedViolence #DomesticViolence #SexualAssault 

 

Including your hashtags at the end of your post rather than interspersed 
throughout the text ensures that screen readers will catch them clearly. 

 

 

 


Images and Sample Post Text: 



1.Aging Population






A person sitting in front of a sign
Description automatically generated


Facebook: 

The quickly growing older adult population is more diverse than ever 
before. Victim services providers must consider how to develop 
programming for all older adults based on their specific needs that 
respect their cultural, racial, and LGBTQ+ identity. Click the link to 
learn more about aging population demographics: 
https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/now-available-2018-
profile-older-americans #OlderAdults #ElderAbuse #Aging 
#Intersectionality 



Instagram: 

The quickly growing older adult population is more diverse than ever 
before. Victim services providers must consider how to develop 
programming for older adults based on their specific needs that 
respect their culture, racial, and LGBTQ+ identity. #OlderAdults 
#ElderAbuse #Aging #Intersectionality 








Twitter: 

Victim service providers must consider how to develop equitable and 
inclusive programming for the quickly growing diverse older adult 
population. #Aging #OlderAdults #ElderAbuse #Intersectionality 



Alt Text Recommendation: Two older men sitting alone in a café 
facing a window looking out onto a street. Overlapping text reads: 
The population is aging. Between 2011 and 2030, 10,000 baby 
boomers will turn 65 every day. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•ACL 2018 Profile of Older Americans:


https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/now-available-
2018-profile-older-americans



•NCALL Overview of Elder Abuse: A Growing Problem:


http://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-
content/uploads/2018/12/04145814/Overview_Elder_Abuse.pdf



•National Asian Pacific Center on Aging Data Brief: AsianAmericans and Pacific Islanders in the United States Aged 65Years and Older: Population, Nativity, and Language:


https://www.napca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/65-population-
report-FINAL.pdf


























2.Elder Abuse






A picture containing indoor, person
Description automatically generated


Facebook: 

Older adults experience the same crimes as other age groups, 
including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, and 
financial exploitation. While crimes committed against older adults are 
most often perpetrated by family members and acquaintances, 
perpetrators can also be strangers. Click the link to learn more about 
the harm older victims face: 
https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2018/info_flyers/fact_sheets/2018NCVRW_OlderAdults_508_QC.pdf 



Instagram: 

Older adults experience the same crimes as other age groups, 
including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, and 
financial exploitation. While crimes committed against older adults are 
most often perpetrated by family members and acquaintances, 
perpetrators can also be strangers. Link in bio for data on crimes 
against older adults #ElderAbuse #Antiviolence #Intersectionality 
#Ageism #RelationalViolence 








Twitter: 

Older adults experience the same crimes as other age groups, 
including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect and financial 
exploitation. 
https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2018/info_flyers/fact_sheets/2018NCVRW_OlderAdults_508_QC.pdf 



Alt Text Recommendation: Person looking at their hands holding 
two domino tiles sitting in front of a table with a domino game on it. 
Overlaid with text that reads: Older adults from all backgrounds 
experience crime victimization. 10% of older adults experienced 
some form of abuse in the last year. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•2018 OVC National Crime Victims’ Rights Week ResourceGuide: Crime and Victimization Fact Sheets – Crimes AgainstOlder Adults:


https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2018/info_flyers/fact_sheets/2018NCVRW_OlderAdults_508_QC.pdf




































3.Anti-Oppression






An older woman wearing a sweater turned away from the camera, text says: Oppression, historical, and racialized trauma impact the ability of some older victims to access healing services and just outcomes.


Facebook: 

Systemic, institutional, and historical oppressions and related trauma 
can have a cumulative and detrimental impact on the ability of older 
victims from marginalized communities to access services that are 
culturally responsive. 



Systems and service providers must work to ensure the supports they 
provide are culturally-affirming and address the unique and complex 
challenges each individual older victim faces. To learn more, check 
out resources National Resource Center for Reaching Victims partner 
@WOCNinc.org http://wocninc.org/publications/ 



Instagram: 

Systemic, institutional, and historical oppressions and related trauma 
can have a cumulative and detrimental impact on the ability of older 
victims’ from marginalized communities to access services that are 
culturally responsive. 



Systems and service providers must work to ensure the supports they 
provide are culturally affirming and address the unique and complex 
challenges each individual older victim faces. 




Twitter: 

Older immigrants face additional barriers and challenges when 
reaching out for services. Service providers need to understand how 
a victims’ legal status may impact their access to services. 
https://vawnet.org/sc/domestic-violence-immigrant-communities 



Alt Text Recommendation: Older light skinned woman with grey 
hair wearing a sweater looking towards trees. Her face is not visible. 
Overlaid with text that reads: Oppression, historical trauma, and 
racialized trauma impact the ability of some older victims to access 
healing services and just outcomes. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•Women of Color Network:


http://wocninc.org/publications/



•Vawnet Resources on Domestic Violence in ImmigrantCommunities:


https://vawnet.org/sc/domestic-violence-immigrant-communities






















4.Culture






A close up of a sign
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Facebook: 

Understanding the many cultural nuances can be challenging and 
service providers must take direction from the victim in determining 
next steps. It is critical to build equitable partnerships between 
mainstream and culturally specific programming when providing 
victim-centered supports. Watch this short video on how culture 
impacts how we should approach services for older survivors: 
https://s3.us-east-
2.amazonaws.com/ncallvideos/48_EA_000525.mp4



Instagram: 

Understanding the many cultural nuances can be challenging and 
service providers must take direction from the victim in determining 
next steps. It is critical to build equitable partnerships between 
mainstream and culturally specific programming is critical when 
providing victim-centered supports. Watch this short video in bio on 
how culture impacts how we should approach services for older 
survivors. Link in bio for video on elder abuse. #ElderAbuse #Aging 
#Intersectionality #CulturallyResponsive #VictimCentered 
#TraumaInformed 








Twitter: 

Build equitable partnerships between mainstream and culturally 
specific programming when providing victim-centered supports. 
Watch this video to learn more about how culture impacts services: 
https://s3.us-east-
2.amazonaws.com/ncallvideos/48_EA_000525.mp4



Alt Text Recommendation: A pile of older black and white and color 
photographs overlaid with text that reads: Culture impacts the 
definition of elder mistreatment, responses by systems, help seeking 
behavior, and methods of intervention. It can be a source of both 
protective and risk factors for an elder. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•Video: Elder Abuse, Produced by NCALL and Terra NovaFilmshttps://s3.useast2.amazonaws.com/ncallvideos/48_EA_000525.mp4































5.LGBTQ+






A screenshot of a cell phone
Description automatically generated




Facebook: 

#LGBTQ+ older adults face unique barriers which can directly impact 
their ability to reach out for assistance. It can be helpful for victim 
service programs to review their organizations policies and practices 
to assure they are providing inclusive and welcoming services to 
victims who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Click the link to 
learn more about how to develop inclusive services for LGBTQ+ older 
adults: 
https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=487 



#LGBTQ #Intersectionality #VictimCentered #ElderAbuse 



Instagram: 

LGBTQ+ older adults face unique barriers which can directly impact 
their ability to reach out for assistance. It can be helpful for victim 
service programs to review their organizations policies and practices 
to assure they are providing inclusive and welcoming services to 
victims who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Link in bio to learn 
more about how to develop inclusive services for LGBTQ+ older 
adults. #LGBTQ #Intersectionality #VictimCentered #ElderAbuse 




Twitter: 

Review your orgs policies and practices to develop more inclusive 
and equitable programming for older LGBTQ+ victims and survivors. 
Learn more here: 
https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=487 

 #LGBTQ #Intersectionality #ElderAbuse 



Alt Text Recommendation: Inclusive LGBTQ+ pride flag with black, 
brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple stripes overlaid 
with text that reads: Many LGBTQ+ older adults are at risk for elder 
abuse, neglect, and various forms of crime victimization. Homophobia 
and other oppressions can impact the ability of older LGBTQ+ victims 
to access critical services. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•National Resource Center on LGBT Aging: Inclusive Servicesfor LGBT Older Adults: A practical Guide to CreatingWelcoming Agencies


https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=487




















6.Rapport






A hand holding a cell phone
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Facebook: 

Victim centered services means building from a victims’ strengths, 
discussing all the different options that might exist in their life, 
identifying the benefits and risks of each of those options, and 
supporting a victim in their decision-making process. Check out this 
video on victim-defined advocacy to learn more: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvb7u-IiQ-E 



Instagram: 

Victim centered services means building from a victims’ strengths, 
discussing all the different options that might exist in their life, 
identifying the benefits and risks of each of those options, and 
supporting a victim in their decision-making process. See link in bio 
for a video on victim-defined advocacy. 



Twitter: 

Victim centered services means building from a victims’ strengths, 
discussing all the options, identifying the benefits and risks, and 
supporting their decision-making process. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvb7u-IiQ-E 






Alt Text Recommendation: 

Older hands resting on a wooden cane. One younger hand resting on 
top of the older hand. Overlaid with text that reads: Build respectful 
rapport that keeps the older adults at the center of all discussions and 
decisions. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•Video: Victim Centered Advocacy, Produced by NCALL andTerra Nova Films:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvb7u-IiQ-E






































7.Dynamics and Barriers






A person holding a sign
Description automatically generated


Facebook: 

The dynamics of abuse in later life are often very similar to abuse 
experienced by younger victims. However, older adults often 
experience additional barriers when reaching out for help. They may 
have health, mobility, or cognitive disabilities that complicate their 
ability to access services. Reviewing agency policies and practices to 
assure they are designed to meet some of the unique needs of older 
victims who have been harmed. Check out the @ncall.us resource 
library to learn more about the dynamics of abuse, and strategies for 
addressing barriers: https://www.ncall.us/resources/publications-
library/ 

#ElderAbuse #DomesticViolence #GenderViolence 



Instagram: 

The dynamics of abuse in later life are often very similar to abuse 
experiences by younger victims. Older adults often experience 
additional barriers when reaching out for help. They may have health, 
mobility, or cognitive issues that complicate their ability to access 
services. 




Review your agency policies and practices to assure they are 
designed to meet some of the unique needs of older victims who 
have been harmed. 



Link in bio for resources on the dynamics of abuse, and strategies for 
addressing barriers. 



#Aging #ElderAbuse #CulturallyResponsive #VictimCentered 
#Intersectionality #OlderAdults #Ageism 



Twitter: 

Learn about barriers older victims of abuse face when reaching out 
for help. Review your practices to better meet their needs and 
increase access to services. See @ncall_us resources for more info 
ncall.us/resources/publications-library/ #ElderAbuse 



Alt Text Recommendation: 

Older Black man sitting with his arms resting on his legs, and his 
fingers interlaced. Overlaid by text that reads: Understand the 
dynamics of abuse and the barriers older adults may face in 
accessing your services. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

NCALL Resource Library: 

Http://ncall.us/resources/publications-library/ 


























8.Ageism






A picture containing person, indoor, table, clothing
Description automatically generated


Facebook: 

Respecting older adults requires us to examine the ageist attitudes 
and biases in ourselves and in our agencies and systems. Ageism 
can be a barrier to effectively responding to older victims by not 
taking older adults seriously when they report abuse, stripping 
autonomy and control away from victims when they report, and by the 
targeting of older adults by perpetrators. See @ncall_us Framework 
for Advocates working with older survivors to learn more: http://s3-us-
east-2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-
content/uploads/2018/12/12072922/GP-Captioned-June2016.pdf 
#Ageism #VictimCentered #OlderAdults 



Instagram: 

Respecting older adults requires us to examine the ageist attitudes 
and biases in ourselves and in our agencies and systems. Ageism 
can be a barrier to effectively responding to older victims by not 
taking older adults seriously when they report abuse, stripping 
autonomy and control away from victims when they report, and by the 
targeting of older adults by perpetrators. 

#Ageism #Aging #Intersectionality #VictimCentered 








Twitter: 

Respecting older adults requires us to examine and challenge our 
own ageist attitudes and biases in ourselves and our systems. See 
the @ncall_us Framework for Advocates: http://s3-us-east-
2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/12072922/GP-
Captioned-June2016.pdf #Ageism



Alt Text Recommendation: 

Older white woman with long grey hair in a crow yoga pose overlaid 
with text that reads: Challenge your and others ageist assumptions. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•NCALL Working with Older Survivors of Abuse: A Frameworkfor Advocates:


http://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-
content/uploads/2018/12/12072922/GP-Captioned-June2016.pdf










































9.Tribal Communities






A picture containing sky, athletic game
Description automatically generated


Facebook: 

One-size-fits-all approaches to working with older victims may not 
work for every community. Tribal elders who experience harm in tribal 
communities have unique lived experiences. To learn more about the 
issue of crime victimization in this unique cultural context, read 
Reclaiming What is Sacred: Addressing Harm to Indigenous Elders 
and Developing a Tribal Response to Abuse in Later Life http://s3-us-
east-2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-
content/uploads/2019/02/01110042/TribalPaperNCALL.pdf 
#Indigenous #VictimCentered #Intersectionality 
#CulturallyResponsive 



Instagram: 

One-size-fits-all approaches to working with older victims may not 
work for every community. Tribal elders who experience harm in tribal 
communities have unique lived experiences. See link in bio to read 
Reclaiming What is Sacred: Addressing Harm to Indigenous Elders 
and Developing a Tribal Response to Abuse in Later Life. 

#Indigenous #VictimCentered #Intersectionality 
#CulturallyResponsive 






Twitter: 

One-size-fits-all approaches to abuse in later life will not work for 
tribal communities. Learn more here: http://s3-us-east-
2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-
content/uploads/2019/02/01110042/TribalPaperNCALL.pdf



Alt Text Recommendation: 

A dream catcher with sky and clouds in the background overlaid by 
text that reads: Tribal communities have unique needs and 
considerations when designing effective responses to abuse and 
mistreatment. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•Reclaiming What is Sacred: Addressing Harm to IndigenousElders and Developing a Tribal Response to Abuse in LaterLife:


http://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ncall/wp-
content/uploads/2019/02/01110042/TribalPaperNCALL.pdf 








































10.Resources and Services for Older Adults






Two people holding a sign
Description automatically generated


Facebook: 

Cases of elder abuse can be complicated and often require the 
involvement of several different service agencies. Learn who else 
works with older adults in your community and how collaborating with 
other programs can enhance the effectiveness of your response to 
older adults. Check out this list of resources and videos to help you 
start building your network: 
https://www.ncall.us/2019/05/29/resources-for-supporting-older-
victims-of-crime-and-abuse/ 



Instagram: 

Cases of elder abuse can be complicated and often require the 
involvement of several different service agencies. Learn who else 
works with older adults in your community and how collaborating with 
other programs can enhance the effectiveness of your response to 
older adults. Link in bio for a list of resources and videos to help you 
start building your network. 

#Elderabuse #Intersectionality #Aging #VictimServices 










Twitter: 

Continue to build your network of resources and programs working 
with older adults in your community. 
https://www.ncall.us/2019/05/29/resources-for-supporting-older-
victims-of-crime-and-abuse/ 



Alt Text Recommendation: 

An older Asian man and woman sitting next to each other. The man 
has his arm around the woman’s shoulder and is smiling. Both people 
are facing slightly towards one another and smiling. Overlaid with text 
that reads: Know the useful resources and services for older adults in 
your area. 



Resources to Learn More / Links to include in your posts: 

•NCALL Resources for Supporting Older Victims of Crime:
https://www.ncall.us/2019/05/29/resources-for-supporting-older-
victims-of-crime-and-abuse/




This Social Media Toolkit was produced by the Vera Institute of Justice 
under award #2016-XV-GX-K015, awarded by the Office for Victims of 
Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The 
opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this 
toolkit are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the 
official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. 





© Vera Institute of Justice, National Resource Center for Reaching 

Victims 2020. All rights reserved.