Bob Patton, director of Business Development for the California Elder Law Center of Lakewood, CA tells a story that shows why it is so important that the nation address elder abuse. He calls on Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse. The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved.

Take action now.

Kathleen Quinn, who leads the National Adult Protective Services Association, tells how a family abused an elder and implores Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

 

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Jason Adamek, a manager of Adult Protective Services intake and veteran social worker, has seen the influence legislation can have on the reporting of elder abuse. He says a federal mandate is necessary to protect our elders.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Juan Diaz of New York City tells how adult protective services helped him deal with his son’s issues. His adult son was living with him in senior housing.

 

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Priscilla Strakovits of Farmington Hills, MI is a certified senior advisor and says that financial exploitation of seniors is as serious as any other kind of elder abuse. She calls on Congress and U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Leo and Fern Marczynski of Lansing, MI tell of their exploitation by a broker. They call on Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Shawna Reeves of San Jose, CA relates how predatory lenders have sought out and victimized vulnerable seniors in California.  Gary Morris, a victim of financial exploitation, also shares what happened to him. Reeves urges passage of the Elder Justice Act.

 

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Maria Bee, chief of Victim Services in San Francisco, says that the voices of our elders are not being heard. A national spotlight is needed on elder abuse. She urges Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Jerome Walker, who works in adult protective services, knows how serious a problem elder abuse is in America. Walker, of Vallejo, CA, urges Rep. George Miller (R-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Lydia Delgado of Houston is a case worker and tells of a case of neglect in which adult protective services helped the family better care for the elder. She calls on Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to support the Elder Justice Act.

Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.

The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

 

 

Jeanette Lazarofsky, an advocate for older adults in Houston, TX, is surprised that there is no federal law protecting the nation’s elders. She urges Rep. John Culberson (R-TX) to support the Elder Justice Act.

Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Loreen Crane of Solano County, CA worked for a bank and saw financial abuse first hand. She urges Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Karen Patterson of Alameda County, CA is an adult protective services worker who tells Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) that the country needs the Elder Justice Act.

  

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Linda Watts of Vallejos, CA says that because the laws are not strong enough, those who abuse the elderly are getting a free ticket and “it’s wrong.” She calls on Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

For every one case of elder abuse, five go unreported.

The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Linda McClinton of Vallejo, CA urges Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Malikah Taylor, who works in adult protective services, urges Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act because education is desperately needed about elder abuse.

The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.

The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Joan Steeves of Vallejo, CA has seen elder abuse first-hand in working with the police department and tells Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act, because we need more rules and regulations governing abusive caregivers.

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Jill Nielsen of Alameda County, CA works in adult protective services and says that her agency needs additional support from the federal government – through passage of the Elder Justice Act — in order to protect our elders. “We can’t wait any longer,” she says.

Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.

The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Molly Rogers, who works in adult protective services, says our culture is youth obsessed, makes our elders invisible and does not protect them. She urges Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Nancy Amy’s mother suffered abuse in a nursing home. The Oakland, CA resident tells Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) that she doesn’t want it to happen to others.

For every one case of elder abuse, five go unreported.

The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Teresa Guillen, who has worked in adult protective services for 20 years, tells of Gloria, a 72-year old Hispanic woman who was abused by her son. She urges Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

 

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Duane Vickrey of Albany, CA asks Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to work diligently to pass the Elder Justice Act. Vickrey works in adult protective services.

For every one case of elder abuse, five go unreported.

The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Cindy Rasmussen, who works for San Francisco’s Adult Protective Services, says her program has been decimated by budget cuts. With the growth of the senior population, she says the problem will only get worse.

 

The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.

The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

A former San Francisco prosecutor, Candace Heisler of San Mateo says that people take advantage of elders, abuse them physically, take their assets and their dignity. She urges Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act

 

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Nicolas Stathakos of Alameda County, CA tells of an elderly man with substantial resources who was exploited by a younger woman who left him destitute. Stathakos, who works in San Francisco’s adult protective services, urges stronger laws to protect seniors from financial abuse.

 

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Dolores Torres of Houston, TX, urges Rep. Al Green (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.

The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Patrick Lay, of League City, TX, urges Rep. Larry Taylor (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity and security, and in some cases costing them their lives.Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

In Spanish, Maria C. Davila, of Houston, TX, urges Rep. Al Green (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Raul Navarro of Houston, TX, tells how his mother was physically abused and neglected while staying in a nursing home.

 

Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Austin’s Idell McKee was a victim of abuse. She was surprised, hurt, angry and a little afraid. She calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

 

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity and security, and in some cases costing them their lives.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Shirley Ledbetter, of Contra Costa County, CA, works in adult protective services and calls on Rep. George Miller (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.

The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Robin Sanow, of Alameda County, CA, explains why those who live to age 85 and beyond need federal protection from elder abuse.

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Robert Sholtz, of El Cerrito, CA, tells Rep. George Miller (D-CA) that he wants the Elder Justice Act passed to protect him and other seniors from elder abuse.

Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Preston Sullivan, of San Francisco, CA, works with elders who are abused. She calls on Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.

The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Rafael Cosio, of Hollywood, CA, says that based not only on the contributions of gay and lesbian elders, but also all elders, we should show our gratitude by passing the Elder Justice Act.

 

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Karen Emily Dickinson of Hollywood, CA, says that elder abuse is one of those things in a darkened corner that people don’t want to see. She asks Congress to pass a law to prevent it.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Don Streeper, of Petaluma, CA, relates how he witnessed a daughter who abused and neglected her mother. He calls for government action on all levels to address elder abuse.

 

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

New York City’s Lilliam Barrios-Paoli does not understand why it has taken Congress so long to pass the Elder Justice Act. She urges baby boomers to mobilize to ensure its passage.

 

The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.

The Elder Justice Act would share best practices; provide education, awareness and training; increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse; and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Susana Fong, of Oakland, CA, urges Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act so that seniors get the protection they deserve.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

San Francisco Police Inspector Arthur Stellini says that there are no federal laws protecting our elders and says the time is now to act. “They can’t get back what they lost.”

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America. Your support is needed.

Get involved. Take action now.

Tippy Irwin, of San Mateo, relates a story of an elderly man who died from infected bed sores due to neglect at a residential care facility. If it weren’t for the long term care ombudsman’s help, the case would never have seen the light of day.

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Autherine Stallworth of San Francisco asks Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Henrietta Tolhurst was told she had won $22,000 and all she had to do was pay the taxes and attorney’s fees, put the money in a magazine and leave it for the caller and she’d get her prize money. She urges Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act to protect people like her.

 

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Kamala Harris, San Francisco District Attorney, says people who abuse seniors are taking advantage of their vulnerabilities. Their right to safety is a civil right.

 

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Prescott Cole, a San Francisco attorney, tells of financial predators who prey on elders that are protected by the current system. He calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Amy Rassen, of San Francisco, urges Speaker Pelosi to get behind the Elder Justice Act and pass this important legislation. Rassen is the former Associate Executive Director of Jewish Family and Children’s Services.

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take Action .

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[S1]Links to Take Action section of Elder Justice Now.

The Rev. Pat Langlois of Los Angeles asks Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) to do everything in his power to ensure decency and justice for our elders.

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Anne Hinton, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, asks how can we support families going through tough times caused by elder abuse? She calls on Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

San Francisco’s Andrea Glass says the Elder Justice Act is essential to make people more aware of elder abuse and to report it when they see it.

 

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

It is crucial to get word to Congress this week that the Elder Justice Act should be passed this year. Signing a petition can help make Elder Justice Now a reality.

To sign the petition or to take other actions that will ensure passage, click here.

If you are looking for reasons why it’s so important,  read the comments from those who have already signed the petition. They give the reasons why passage is so important to our nation’s elders. Feel free to add your own comments in reaction to this blog entry!

“I support funding for fighting elder abuse. The economic downturn has cut most of the infrastructure in my county and there is a great need to put it back in place.”– CA

“Elder abuse is appalling. It is unconsionable. We need this Act passed to gve our elders the respect they deserve and to allow us to benefit from the grace of their wisdom.” — MD

“Elder abuse is a hidden reality in our society. Please help us prevent abuse of our elders and develop a comprehesive response to prevent and intervene in these cases.” NY

“It comes as a shock that here in the United States we can pass the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act in1974 and 20 years later the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. yet there is no federal legislation that protects our elders.” — NY

“I work with the frail elderly who are often the victims of abuse by their own family members. We often don’t have the resources or legal means to protect them.” — NY

“The  humanty of our society is measured in how we treat our most vulnerable members.” — CA

“Abuse continues to rise, especially financial abuse and resources continue to decrease. Please help stop the suffering of our elders and [support] the systems that serve them.” — CA

“Seniors need protection, families need support and guidance…Passing the Elder Justice Act will help seniors get the care and respect they deserve.” — CA

“As a member of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging and having worked in aging services for 13 years, the need for this legislation is absolute.” — PA

“States can no longer bear the burden of adult protective services alone.” — WI

“Prosecution of elder abuse cases has improved, bu we still have a long way to go to protect our seniors.” — CA

“We should always protect all living creatures that cannot protect themselves. The elderly should not leave this world with their last days filled with neglect or abuse.” –NJ

Need I say more? Please sign the petition now.

Nancy Wilson tells how a family member forced an elderly Texas man to live in a garage where he was malnourished and dehydrated.

For every one case of elder abuse, five go unreported.

The Elder Justice Act will increase the capacity of prosecutors across the country to bring elder abuse charges.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Andrea Pasillas, of San Francisco, works in Adult Protective Services. She knows first hand why tougher legislation is needed. Andrea asks Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to “help us do our job” by passing the Elder Justice Act.

Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.

The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Tracy Caldwell, a resident of San Francisco, asks Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D. CA) to make elder abuse a “top priority” because of the financial abuse that he says is becoming a crisis.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Dr. David Werdegar of San Francisco’s Institute on Aging says elder abuse awareness must be raised and that the Elder Justice Act would allow for a coordinated attack on a community problem.

 

The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.

The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.

Your support is needed. Get involved.  Take Action Now!

Norma Bradley who runs Advocate Legal Senior Center in Houston, TX tells how family members often give up caring about their elders, which can lead to scams and abuse by others.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Attorney Steve Reese of San Francisco tells how a 93-year old client was sold a $650,000 annuity that wouldn’t mature until he was 146 years old.

 

 

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Rowena Nadig of San Antonio, Texas tells how her sister was abused by her nephew. He stole her money, used her credit cards to run up $15,000 in charges and took her personal property.

 

In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.

The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Carmel’s Pat Smith relates the story of her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, who was taken in by a young woman in Las Vegas. Her criminal behavior led to credit card charges of some $750,000 for the Smiths and an FBI investigation.

 

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Saratoga’s Bob Lee relates the story of his father, a World War II veteran, was abused by a caregiver who took away his dignity, stole his money and even contributed to his death. He calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

During a visit to the Stein Senior Center in New York City, Doris Hutchinson of the Bronx urges Congress and the President to fund more programs for the nation’s seniors.

Every day, millions of older Americans are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

New York City’s Betty Beckles was physically abused by her daughter.   She once volunteered for Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and asks for his help in protecting seniors like her.

 

In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds are adult children or spouses.

The Elder Justice Act is needed to protect all older Americans and to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Muriel Olivierre’s mother was abused. The New Yorker calls on Congress to help find ways to stop it and to take all the steps necessary to prevent elder abuse.

 

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

During a visit to Stein Senior Center, Helen Murray urges Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act on behalf of those who are even older than she and those who will become elders in future!

 

The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.

The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Cynthia, Vicki Bastion’s niece, describes how her aunt, in fear for her safety and to protect her belongings, put a metal security door on her bedroom. Vicki’s grandson, who lived with her, had invited gang members, drug pushers and prostitutes to live in her home.

 

Older Americans, especially the very old and vulnerable, should not have to live in fear of being abused physically, psychologically or financially.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the resources needed to help those who now fight elder abuse with scarce resources and fragmented systems.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Mary Joy Quinn says that most senior think abuse hasn’t really happened to them and often do not tell anyone about it. They need better education about how to recognize and deal with elder abuse.

 

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity, their security and, in comes cases, costing them their lives.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

A group of California seniors ask Congress in unison to take care of them.

 

Older adults who experience mistreatment have a 300% higher risk of death.

The Elder Justice Act would provide needed funds for those who have been fighting elder abuse on the front lines.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Faith Kline of Toms River, NJ relates her story of physical abuse and asks Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Several Texas seniors share why it is important for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act now.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors. We need your help.

Get Involved: http://ElderJusticeNow.org
Take action now!

 Madalyne Houseman, of Saint Louis, Michigan, tells how her mother suffered neglect and financial abuse by her son and why Madalyne had to step in. 

 In almost 90% of the elder abuse and neglect cases, the perpetrator is a family member.

The Elder Justice Act will raise public awareness about elder abuse. Your help is needed.

Get Involved: http://ElderJusticeNow.org
Take action now!

Justice Elizabeth Weaver of the Michigan Supreme Court describes why Congress needs to act on behalf of the nation’s elders and pass the Elder Justice Act.

At the federal level, only 2% of abuse prevention dollars go to mistreatment of older adults.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors. Congress needs to act now to pass this important legislation.

 Get Involved: take action now!

Gratiot County Michigan Commission on Aging Director Craig Zeese shares stories from his area that tell why the Elder Justice Act is needed.

 

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.
Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Jamie Ottesen of Windsor, California who tells how her mother received third degree burns while in a care home for seniors. Instead of seeking medical care, the staff threw her in a cold shower, contacting no one. According to Jamie, the woman who ran the home was never found guilty of a crime and continues to run the home.

A Congressional committee discovered that 30% of the nursing homes in the country were cited for almost 9,000 instances of abuse between 1999 and 2001.

The Elder Justice Act will create a national database of information to develop better knwolege of the problem.

It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed.

Get Involved: http://ElderJusticeNow.org
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Monday, June 15, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which works to recognize elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue and raise awareness to put an end to the abuse and neglect of older persons. The day is sponsored by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), and it asks you to show your support by attending or hosting an event on Monday – as well as by wearing the color purple.

WITNESS is partnered with the National Council on Aging to help break the silence on elder abuse in the United States – and urge Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. On this day of World Elder Abuse Awareness, I wanted to feature some of the best elder abuse-related videos we’ve found so far (if you know of others, please share them with us!).
First up is a very powerful 30-second elder abuse public service announcement out of Ontario, Canada. There are very few videos out there on elder abuse from North America (outside of lawyers trying to get clients), but I believe this one could be replicated and reused in many societies.

Age Demands Action is a video from Help Age International that features actions to raise awareness and call for accountability of elder abuse in 35 countries on October 1, 2008. I think it is a good video to highlight an elder justice campaign by, for and on behalf of older persons.

This video from Age Concern of New Zealand is a good intro to what elder abuse is and how people need to act to deal with it. It focuses on respect and the video serves as a training resource examines what ‘respect’ means and includes case studies that show how a lack of respect can lead to elder abuse and neglect.

This video is of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel testifying before the House Judiciary Committee about the Elder Justice Act in 2008 as the House Democratic Caucus Chairman.

Special thanks to Masha Medvedkov, a fantastic WITNESS intern, for her research for and assistance with this post, which was originally posted on the WITNESS Hub.