County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced Tuesday that the Westchester County Office for Women, along with several of the county's not-for-profit partners, has been awarded a $400,000 federal grant to address elder abuse, neglect and exploitation involving victims who are 50 years of age or older.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded a total of more than $2.5 million in grants to organizations throughout Westchester County.

"Elder abuse is a shameful crime and will not be tolerated," said Astorino. "Especially as our older population continues to grow, identifying and responding to elder abuse is of paramount importance. This additional funding will help to enhance and expand our ongoing efforts to combat this issue in Westchester."

The Office for Women partnered on the grant with several not-for-profits, including the Pace Women's Justice Center, Victims Assistance Services of WestCOP and The Hebrew Home for the Aged, as well as the Greenburgh Police Department and the Office of the District Attorney.

"October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when we are especially mindful of the devastating effects of family violence," said Robi Schlaff, director of the Office for Women. "Working with our not-for-profit and community partners, the Office for Women looks forward to expanding the county's training and services to help keep Westchester's seniors safe."

OVW currently administers 24 grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and subsequent legislation. The county specifically was awarded a discretionary grant through the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program.