Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 238
CHAPTER 135
Relative to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
August 17, 2018.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 238, Kalra.
Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.
This measure would proclaim and acknowledge the month of June 2018 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in California and would reiterate the importance of annually recognizing Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in the state.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO 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
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims and acknowledges the month of June 2018 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in California and reiterates the importance of annually recognizing Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in the state; and be it further
Resolved, That California’s recognition of elder and dependent adult abuse in June is consistent with the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day of June 15; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.