Title
Proclamation Declaring June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15, 2016 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. (Recreation and Parks 5195)
Body
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that as of July 2014 in the City of Alameda more than 10,400 persons 65 years and over live, the largest growing age segment in the country, and
WHEREAS, elder abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes in the United States and it is estimated that only one in fourteen cases of elder abuse comes to the attention of Adult Protective Services and/or law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, victims of elder abuse include men and women of diverse educational, socio-economic or ethnic backgrounds who have been victimized by strangers and/or by persons they know who may occupy a position of trust including family members, neighbors, friends and others with whom the elder interacts; and
WHEREAS, the Alameda County Social Services Agency - Adult Protective Services responds to reports from individuals, concerned citizens, social service and health providers, and law enforcement representatives about elders who may be physically or financially abused, neglected or exploited; and
WHEREAS, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, through its Elder Protection Unit and Victim Witness Division, provides a network of services to elders who are in danger of becoming, or who have become, victims of abuse including holding community workshops to promote crime prevention awareness, assisting with locating services for elders, working with the Alameda Police Department, as well as with other professionals, and prosecuting cases of elder abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, the Mastick Senior Center provides a comprehensive array of services, as well as social and recreational programs, to meet the needs of the elder population, thereby enhancing their quality of life and helping them to remain active, healthy, safe and independent; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda recognizes that the awareness of elder abuse and neglect, as well as reporting instances of suspected elder abuse and neglect, helps keep our elders and community safer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim June 2016 as
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
and June 15, 2016 as
WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY
in the City of Alameda, in recognition of elders being valuable members of our city and having the right to live safely and securely in our community.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor