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

WHEREAS, Cases of abuse or exploitation of elder or vulnerable adults are reported with concerning frequency; and

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 experience 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 by others; and

WHEREAS, Elder and vulnerable adults may be affected by a constellation of physical, mental, pharmaceutical, or medical influences, any one of which could render them unable to protect themselves or self-advocate, to report to authorities when abuse occurs, or to testify against perpetrators; 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, sexual, or neglect, in the past year; and

WHEREAS, Elder and vulnerable adult abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or fiduciary and consists of conduct that makes the elderly vulnerable and recognizes no boundaries of economic, educational, or social status, gender, race, culture, religion, or geographic location; and

WHEREAS, 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, Being trained to recognize these signs is the first step toward the prevention of elder and vulnerable adult abuse; and

WHEREAS, Elder abuse results in utilization of the public safety net; and

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

WHEREAS, To date, the State of California does not collect or maintain comprehensive data on abuse cases, reports, or investigations, thus inhibiting the government’s capacity to be informed, make informed decisions about the strategic use of existing resources, improve the existing reporting system, enhance protections, and provide partners the tools necessary to secure justice; 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 injustice; and

WHEREAS, Private citizens and public agencies must work to combat crime and violence against elders and vulnerable adults; and

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