Stamp Out Elder Abuse

Proclamation for the iPetition

WHEREAS, According to the projected 2010 census, 12.9% of the United States population was 65 years of age or older, representing 40 million individuals.  By the year 2030, it is estimated that the number of individuals who are 65 years of age and older will comprise 25% of the total United States population; and

WHEREAS, Elder Abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is considered the “crime of the 21st century;” and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that 14.1 percent of all non-institutionalized senior citizens became victims of some form of abuse including neglect and exploitation last year; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Medical Association, seniors who are abused or mistreated are 3.1 times more likely to have an earlier death; and

WHEREAS, Elder Abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is under-recognized, therefore, under-reported, and

WHEREAS, Fewer than 20 percent of Elder Abuse cases are reported to adult protective services or law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, The role of the federal government under the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Elder Justice Act of 2009 (EJA) is to lead the national elder justice activities and support efforts to protect older adults from abuse; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness is important in preventing Elder Abuse, but according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government does not have sufficient resources to develop and implement public awareness campaigns; and

WHEREAS, To combat elder abuse, our government has the responsibility to help raise awareness in the community and fund programs that protect our country’s elder citizens; and

WHEREAS, The State of California enacted SJR 12 in 2008, a measure requesting the United States President and Congress to enact legislation to authorize the United States Postmaster General to issue a semipostal stamp, to provide funds for Elder Abuse prevention and awareness programs; and

WHEREAS, The revenue from an Elder Abuse awareness semipostal stamp, similar to the breast cancer semipostal stamp, would help raise funds for elder abuse prevention programs; and

WHEREAS, An Elder Abuse semipostal stamp would raise awareness and provide a method for all citizens to contribute to stopping this pervasive crime.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we the citizens of the United States of America respectfully request that our President and Congress enact legislation that would authorize the United States Postmaster General to issue an Elder Abuse semipostal stamp; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon Congress to fund the Elder Justice Act of 2010.   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we, the citizens of the United States of America, respectfully urge the President to issue a proclamation recognizing June 15, 2011 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and consider lighting the White House Purple on this date.

EFPN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of elder financial abuse through innovative partnerships that build public awareness, drive community outreach and provide professional training.