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

WHEREAS, One in 10 Americans 60 years of age and older experiences abuse each year; and

WHEREAS, One in every eight individuals over 65 years of age is living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly one in two people with dementia experiences some form of abuse; and

WHEREAS, Elder and dependent adults may be impacted by physical, mental, pharmaceutical, or medical influences; and

WHEREAS, A 2009 National Institute of Justice study found that 11 percent of elders reported experiencing at least one form of mistreatment, including emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment or neglect, in the past year; and

WHEREAS, Subtle indicators that abuse may be occurring include bruises or pressure marks, unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a change in alertness, unusual depression, sudden changes in financial situations, strained or tense relationships, or frequent arguments; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing these signs is the first step toward the prevention of elder and dependent adult abuse; and

WHEREAS, Elder and dependent adult abuse victims have a mortality rate three times that of the general public and are 300 percent more likely to suffer from a premature death; and

WHEREAS, Current estimates suggest that as few as one in 14 cases of elder and dependent adult abuse is reported, including fewer than one in 25 incidents of financial abuse; and

WHEREAS, Elders and dependent 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 injustice; and

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

WHEREAS, Due to the nature of elder abuse, June 15 is recognized internationally as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, first established in 2006, to raise awareness of elder and dependent adult abuse and to promote better understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic issues that may contribute to the growing incidence of elder and dependent adult abuse around the globe; and

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