Evolving care and support
Webinar event date: 
mar 25, 2026 11:00 am EDT
Webinar Presenters: 
Shelley Murray BSW MSW RSW

Shelley Murray is a registered social worker and recently retired from the Government of New Brunswick after 38 years of service.  She completed her BSW at St. Thomas University in 1987 and 26 years later an MSW from Dalhousie University.  She worked in adult services program, foster home program and child protection before joining the Dept. of Justice as a court social worker.  Assessing clients for intimate partner violence was a key role of the court social worker.  After 16 years as a court social worker, in 2009 Shelley joined Women’s Equality in the Violence Prevention and Community Partnership Unit.  Shelley worked with government and community partners to implement government actions to address gender-based violence.  Most recently, she worked with a dedicated team to support the development of community-based sexual violence services.  Shelley has been a member of the NBASW since 1987 and held positions at both the chapter and provincial level.  She is a life-long learner and believes strongly in seeking out educational opportunities and incorporating knowledge into practice.

Description

This webinar provides an overview of intimate partner violence (IPV) in older adults, with a focus on understanding key risk factors and common barriers to help-seeking. Participants will review safety planning strategies that are currently used with older adults and consider how these approaches can be adapted to account for health needs, mobility limitations, cognitive changes, and dependence on partners for care or financial support. The session will highlight existing resources, referral options, and reporting considerations relevant to working with older survivors, including domestic violence services, aging networks, and adult protective systems. Emphasis is placed on helping participants recognize, access, and appropriately connect older adults to supports while promoting safety, autonomy, and dignity.

This webinar is intended to increase awareness of intimate partner violence among older adults. Professionals will:

  • Identify key factors for intimate partner violence in older adults
  • Apply safety planning strategies that work for older adults
  • Review resources and reporting considerations
  • Identify and adapt ongoing care and support strategies