Bill Text: NY J00795 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2019, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 40-22)
Status: (Passed) 2019-03-26 - ADOPTED [J00795 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-J00795-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 795 BY: Senator SERINO MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2019, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Elder citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to countless endeavors, helping to shape and strengthen the character of our communities and the quality of our lives; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2019, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; and WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations; and WHEREAS, The purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect; and WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a day in which organizations and individuals from around the world participate in activities and events to raise awareness about the mistreatment of older adults; and WHEREAS, There is a lack of awareness and acknowledgement to elder abuse; we can bring attention to elder abuse and help stop the violence against older members of our community; in establishing June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day we can support older Americans and strive to reduce and eliminate abuse and neglect; and WHEREAS, Nearly five million cases of elder abuse occur each year in the United States, but researchers estimate that 85% of these incidents go unreported; around the world and in the State of New York abuse and neglect of older adults continues to be under-recognized and largely untreated; and WHEREAS, Financial abuse alone costs older Americans over $30 billion each year; more than half of the time, family, friends, caregivers and neighbors are the culprits in financial abuse cases; and WHEREAS, Data on elder abuse in domestic settings suggest that only around one in 14 incidents come to the attention of authorities; of these cases, the most common forms of abuse are physical abuse and financial exploitation; and WHEREAS, Close to 50% of elders living with dementia will experience some form of abuse; elders who have been abused have nearly a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who are not mistreated; and WHEREAS, Many victims do not seek legal repercussions for the abuse and neglect against them, even if they have the means of doing so; they are often unaware that they have a right to do so; and WHEREAS, Studies show that abused and non-abused elders' level of depression differs significantly, with the victims showing higher levels of depression; and WHEREAS, Compared to non-victims, the victims of elder mistreatment had significantly higher levels of psychological distress, less social support and perceived self-efficacy; victims who received more social support tended to show less psychological distress; and WHEREAS, There are several different forms of elder abuse, including: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and self-neglect; all forms are often under-reported; and WHEREAS, The Legislators of New York State have been studying and reviewing this outrage through hearings across New York State, and are determined to find a solution that will provide increased protection and services to the elder citizens of New York State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2019, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.