Provo police to use $400K federal grant to aid victimized seniors

PROVO — The Provo Police Department will use a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women to help address the needs of victimized seniors.

The grant will be used for training, outreach and services for older victims, according to a news release from the department. The three-year project will help train law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and community partners.

Provo Police Chief Rick Gregory has been working since January to form an Elder Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Coalition to address neglect and physical abuse of seniors, including physical and emotional abuse and financial crimes.

"Elder abuse is a serious and under-reported threat to the quality of life we enjoy in our community," Gregory said. "This task force and grant from the Office on Violence Against Women will improve our ability to protect seniors.”

Anyone interested in participating in the coalition are instructed to contact Vicky Proctor at 801-852-6375.

— McKenzie Romero Twitter: @McKenzieRomero