Assembly Resolution No. 414

BY: M. of A. Kim

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 15, 2021, 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, 2021, 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 of 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 serious societal problem 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, 2021, 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.