Elder Abuse Awareness: Understanding the Court Process with Judge Michelle Tong | SF Superior Court

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, join us for this essential masterclass with the Honorable Michelle Tong, Judge of the San Francisco Superior Court.

Approximately 1 in 6 older adults experience abuse, most often by someone they trust—family members or caregivers. Elder abuse threatens health, safety, dignity, and independence. This webinar explores how our legal system responds and what innovations are making courts more accessible for vulnerable adults.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
THE JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR ELDER ABUSE

How abuse cases enter the court system—through criminal actions, civil lawsuits, restraining orders, or conservatorship proceedings
The role of Adult Protective Services (APS) in investigating and coordinating with courts
Timeline and procedures for obtaining protective orders
How courts work with community agencies to provide ongoing support

TYPES OF CASES IN SF SUPERIOR COURT

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders—protecting those 65+ from physical, emotional, or financial abuse
Criminal cases under California Penal Code 368
Civil harassment and domestic violence restraining orders
Probate conservatorship-related abuse cases
Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases involving elder exploitation
Civil lawsuits against facilities and individuals for personal injury, fraud, or financial exploitation

JUDICIAL ACCOMMODATIONS & INNOVATIONS

ADA accommodations including assistive listening devices, interpreters, and wheelchair access
Self-Help ACCESS Center support for completing forms and understanding procedures
Specialized scheduling and support for cognitive and physical limitations
Multilingual services and culturally competent resources
Support persons and clear instructions for vulnerable witnesses

TECHNOLOGY IN THE COURTROOM

Electronic filing (eFiling) through File & ServeXpress for civil, family, and probate cases
Remote hearings via Zoom—making participation safer and more convenient for those with mobility or health challenges
Digital evidence submission and audio/video testimony systems (JAVS)
Self-help technology including chatbots, live chat, and help lines

CRITICAL RESOURCES:

No filing fees for elder abuse restraining orders
Free service of restraining orders through the Sheriff's Department
Temporary restraining orders processed same-day if submitted by 10 a.m.
Permanent order hearings scheduled within 21-28 days
Remedies including compensatory damages, asset freezing, restitution, and protective orders

ABOUT JUDGE MICHELLE TONG:
Judge Tong was elected to the San Francisco Superior Court in March 2020. She currently handles civil harassment cases, default judgments, and traffic trials, and previously presided over Unified Family Court matters including child custody, domestic violence, and property division.

Before her judicial career, Judge Tong served with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, trying over 50 jury trials. She also assisted self-represented tenants facing eviction at the Eviction Defense Collaborative.
Judge Tong was born in Toronto, Canada to immigrants from Hong Kong.

She received her bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz (1996) and law degree from UOP - McGeorge School of Law (2001).

ABOUT API LEGAL OUTREACH:
Founded in 1975, API Legal Outreach provides culturally competent and linguistically appropriate legal representation, social services, and advocacy for marginalized communities including low-income women, seniors, recent immigrants, and youth. The Elder and Disability Rights Project offers comprehensive legal services focusing on securing public benefits, preventing abuse, and supporting survivors.

The Elder Abuse Task Force convenes monthly forums uniting government officials, community members, and legal professionals to address challenges facing elderly and disabled individuals in the API community.

WHO SHOULD WATCH:

Legal professionals and attorneys
Social workers and case managers
Healthcare providers and medical professionals
Family caregivers and community advocates
Older adults seeking to understand their rights
Anyone working with vulnerable populations

RESOURCES & SUPPORT:
SF Superior Court ACCESS Center: sfsuperiorcourt.org/divisions/civil/access-center
Elder Abuse Reporting: 1-833-401-0832
API Legal Outreach: apilegaloutreach.org
Recorded June 17, 2025

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