LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 2011 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month 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, The millions of Elder Citizens residing in the State of New
York have contributed to the general welfare of the State by helping to
preserve the customs, convictions and traditions of the many ethnic
backgrounds of the citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The more than 39 million United States residents considered
to be Elder Citizens are vital and integral members of our society; and
WHEREAS, Elder abuse in domestic and institutional settings is a wide-
spread problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly people across
the country; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Adult Protective Services received a total of
565,747 reports of elder abuse throughout the United States, and inves-
tigated 461,135 reports; of that number, Adult Protective Services
substantiated 191,908 reports of elder abuse, representing a 16%
increase from the year 2000; and
WHEREAS, Because elder abuse is still largely hidden under the shroud
of family secrecy, elder abuse is grossly under-reported; elderly people
who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone; they are
usually ashamed and sometimes afraid; and
WHEREAS, Approximately, only one out of every 14 domestic elder abuse
incidents come to the attention of authorities; the 565,747 domestic
elder abuse cases reported to Adult Protective Services represent only
the tip of the iceberg, and the number of elder abuse cases is growing
every year; and
WHEREAS, Any elderly person may become the victim of abuse; males and
females of any income level, any cultural or ethnic group, persons in
good health or persons incapacitated in some way may be abused by some-
one close to them; elder abuse is not only happening in poor neighbor-
hoods, but also in suburbia and in some of the most upstanding families;
and
WHEREAS, The abusers can be anyone, but they are most commonly family
members with whom the abused person is living; studies have estimated
that over half the elderly people reported to have been abused were
living with the persons who abused them; and
WHEREAS, The physical abuse, mental anguish and financial exploitation
too many elderly people are enduring diminishes us as a civilized socie-
ty; 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 2011, as Elder
Abuse Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.