Anoka County and Alexandra House, the county's shelter for battered women, have been awarded nearly $400,000 in federal grant money to be used for comprehensive training concerning elder abuse.

A core group of partners — including law enforcement, prosecutors and victim/human services personnel — will use the $398,083 grant to strengthen police training, investigation procedures and other aspects of understanding and dealing with elder abuse, said Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo. Among the issues involved are neglect, exploitation, domestic violence and sexual assault of older individuals.

"We are very excited about this grant and the work that we will be able to do in our community to better address the issue of abuse in later life," said Connie Moore, executive director at Alexandra House.

Further information on elder abuse and resources to counter it is available through S.A.F.E. MN, at http://www.safemn.org

Paul Levy

plevy@startribune.com