LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 15, 2014, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness
Day

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2014, as Elder Abuse Awareness
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, Elder abuse affects seniors of all socio-economic groups,
cultures, and races, and according to the National Center on Elder
Abuse, it is estimated that 10% of elders may experience some type of
abuse, but only approximately 20% of cases of elder abuse are reported;
and
WHEREAS, There are several types of elder abuse, including physical
abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploita-
tion, all of which harm and may even result in the death of seniors; and
WHEREAS, Elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6
billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation;
and
WHEREAS, Elder abuse occurs across the world, nation, and state, both
in institutional settings, such as nursing homes and in the homes of
seniors, and abuse is committed by both paid caregivers and family
members seniors rely on for care; and
WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day has been observed on June
15th since 2006, and the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was held
at the United Nations and orchestrated by the International Network for
the Prevention of Elder Abuse; and
WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day increases awareness of the
problem of elder abuse and the services available for the protection of
seniors; and
WHEREAS, The Coalition on Elder Abuse in Dutchess County, which oper-
ates under the auspices of the Mediation Center of Dutchess County, is a
group of individuals and private and public agencies working together to
protect elders from abuse, neglect and exploitation and to preserve the
quality of their lives; and
WHEREAS, This year, the Coalition on Elder Abuse in Dutchess County is
hosting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2014, on Friday, June 13, 2014,
at the Cornell Cooperative Extension - The Farm and Home Center, Mill-
brook, New York; this year's theme is "Do Your Part: Engaging Gener-
ations Build Communities Free From Elder Abuse"; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to ensuring the safety of
all New Yorkers and recognizes seniors' right to live safely and with
dignity, so it is also committed to raising public awareness of elder
abuse and expanding support for victims; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 15, 2014, as Elder
Abuse Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and The Coalition on Elder Abuse in Dutchess County.