LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 15, 2011, 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
WHEREA6, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2011, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Aware-
ness Day; and
WHEREAS, June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 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
dollars each year; more than half of the time, family, friends, caregiv-
ers and neighbors are the culprits in financial abuse cases; and
WHEREAS, Data on elder abuse in domestic settings suggest that only
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 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, 2011, 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 tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.