WHEREAS, Elder and vulnerable adult abuse is a crime and a serious and growing crisis in California; and

WHEREAS, Not a day goes by without reports of horrific cases of abuse or exploitation of older or vulnerable adults; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the United States, 10,000 people a day are turning 65 years of age; and

WHEREAS, One in every eight individuals over 65 years of age is living with Alzheimer’s disease, and one in every 76 Californians 110 youth born today has a disorder on the Autism Spectrum. The rapid growth of special populations like these that are in need of enhanced protection will further challenge the overwhelmed vulnerable adult protection system; and

WHEREAS, Older and vulnerable adults may be impacted by any of a constellation of physical, mental, pharmaceutical, or medical influences that could render them unable to self-advocate, to report, or to testify; and

WHEREAS, At least 2 percent, and as many as 10 percent, of the elder and vulnerable adult population in California are abused, molested, injured, exploited, or scammed each year; and

WHEREAS, The incidence of abuse and exploitation of the developmentally disabled population is shocking. Over 80 percent of women with developmental disabilities and over 30 percent of men with developmental disabilities are sexually abused at least once during their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Current estimates suggest that as few as one in 14 cases of elder and vulnerable adult abuse is reported, including fewer than one in 25 incidents of financial abuse, because the victims are ashamed, hopeless, intimidated, or afraid of the abuser; and

WHEREAS, A comprehensive central data repository of all child abuse investigations has been in existence since 1965, but no similar repository exists for investigations of crimes against frail, elder, and vulnerable adults; and

WHEREAS, Even in the year 2011, with a booming and exponentially expanding population of elder and vulnerable adults, the state of California does not collect comprehensive data on abuse cases, reports, or investigations. This inhibits the government’s ability to make informed decisions about improving the existing reporting system, enhancing protections, or lending law enforcement the tools necessary to ensure justice; and

WHEREAS, The lack of statewide elder abuse statistics prevents policymakers from measuring the extent of these crimes and tragedies. The lack of a single point of contact to report an incident of abuse of and elder or vulnerable adult contributes to the current climate of under reporting; and

WHEREAS, Elder and vulnerable adult abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or fiduciary, and consists of crimes that know no boundaries of economic or educational status, gender, race, ethnicity, or geographic location; and

WHEREAS, Subtle indicators that abuse may be occurring include bruises or pressure marks, unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, unusual depression, sudden changes in financial situations, strained or tense relationships, or frequent arguments between a caregiver and a client. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward the prevention of elder and vulnerable adult abuse; and

WHEREAS, Elders and vulnerable adults have the right to live safely in the least restrictive environment, whether in their homes or health care facilities, and to enjoy an optimum quality of life while being protected from all forms of abuse; and

WHEREAS, Private citizens and public agencies must work to combat crime and violence against elders and vulnerable adults, particularly in the face of continued funding reductions in vital services; and

WHEREAS, All Californians are strongly encouraged to report suspected abuse of an elder or vulnerable adult by calling their local adult protective services agency, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, law enforcement, or emergency services agencies; now, therefore, be it