
Deborah A. Duggin
Host: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Sponsor: Elder Justice Program
Caitlin’s Fellowship provided civil legal services to elderly individuals who experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Additionally, she increased awareness and training in identifying and addressing the issue of elder abuse throughout Northwest Texas.
As the senior citizen population rapidly grows, it is critical to expand awareness and legal services to rural areas where vulnerable populations are often isolated, increasing the likelihood of some form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Since high school, Caitlin has been passionate about the disability rights movement. She has seen firsthand how a label or diagnosis too often leads to an assumption of incapacity and deprivation of civil rights and liberties.
Caitlin conducted in-depth research to identify the forms of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevalent in Lubbock and in rural communities throughout Northwest Texas. She reached out to work with local non-profits and organizations serving senior citizens in the community and conducted community education events. In addition, she coordinated trainings for other professionals and organizations to be aware of and report any signs of elder abuse or exploitation. Throughout the Fellowship, Caitlin provided direct legal services through screenings, brief service/legal advice, and full-scope representation in civil cases for elderly victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Supporting Fellowships that Help Older Survivors of Domestic Violence Regain Agency Over Their Lives
Host: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Sponsor: Elder Justice Program
Host: Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime
Host: Legal Aid of the Bluegrass
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime
Host: Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime