Bill Text: NJ SJR121 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates June 15 of each year as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-11-09 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SJR121 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-SJR121-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator ROBERT M. GORDON
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Designates June 15 of each year as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating June 15 of each year as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day."
Whereas, According to the National Council on Aging, one in approximately 10 Americans over 60 years of age has experienced some form of elder abuse; and
Whereas, Experts report that there is a lack of knowledge about elder abuse and a dearth of research in this area to guide practitioners, policymakers, and trainers; and
Whereas, Different forms of elder abuse include, but are not limited to, physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, psychological abuse, financial/material exploitation, and neglect; and
Whereas, Only one in 14 cases of elder abuse are reported to the authorities due to the victims being afraid or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the abuse; and
Whereas, Financial abuse and fraud costs older adults an estimated $36.5 billion per year; and
Whereas, Elder abuse crosses all racial, social, and economic boundaries; and
Whereas, Social isolation and mental impairment, such as dementia, makes an older adult vulnerable to abuse; and
Whereas, Nearly half of those individuals with dementia experience abuse or neglect; and
Whereas, Elder abuse can lead to devastating consequences for the victims, such as the loss of health, independence, homes, and life savings, and those who have experienced elder abuse have shorter life expectancies than non-abused older adults; and
Whereas, According to the American Psychological Association, the majority of elder abuse victims are female, while the majority of the perpetrators are male; and
Whereas, In 60 percent of elder abuse cases, the perpetrator is a family member, but abuse in assisted living facilities and nursing homes is becoming a major concern; and
Whereas, The United Nations, in recognition of the important public health and societal problem of elder abuse, has designated June 15 as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day"; and
Whereas, Public awareness has the potential to increase the identification and reporting of elder abuse by the public, professionals, and victims; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. June 15 of each year is designated as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in the State of New Jersey to bring awareness to those suffering from elder abuse and to increase the identification and reporting of elder abuse by the public, professionals, and victims.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Elder Abuse Awareness Day" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates June 15 of each year as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in order to bring awareness to those who suffer from elder abuse and to help to increase the identification and reporting of elder abuse by the public, professionals, and victims. Approximately one in every 10 Americans over 60 years of age has experienced some form of elder abuse. Some forms of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, psychological abuse, financial/material exploitation, and neglect. Elder abuse is often underreported due to the victims being afraid or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the abuse. Those older adults who have experienced elder abuse can suffer serious consequences, such as loss of health and finances, and have shorter life expectancies than those who are not abused.
This joint resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
