Declare Elder Abuse Awareness Day

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 $2.6 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; physical abuse is the most common form of abuse and all forms are often under-reported; and WHEREAS, It is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect reported to the authorities, about five more go unreported; 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, 2017, 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.