Ellen MacDonald of Houston, TX says that it is difficult for elders to talk about elder abuse. She calls on Rep. John Culberson (R-TX) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

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.

Marina Vertinski, a Russian-speaking social worker in San Francisco, wants the Elder Justice Act passed in order for seniors to live safely.

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.

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.

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.

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 Gregory Ovanessian urges Speaker Nancy Pelosi (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.

Edith Chan, an adult protective services worker, relates why elder abuse is such a problem in San Francisco. She asks 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.

Eileen Goldman of San Francisos urges Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act

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

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

Elizabeth Powell, an attorney who lives in Arlington, VA, urges Rep. James Moran (D-VA) to pass the Elder Justice Act. She relates her own story of financial abuse concerning someone who lives in Congress’ backyard.

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.

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.

Carolyn Crewey, of Houston Texas, is a survivor of elder financial abuse.  At age 90, Carolyn lost her home, much of her furniture, and had her bank account compromised at the hands of a ‘good friend.’ Carolyn is one of many elderly women affected by elder abuse.

The “typical” victim of elder financial abuse is between the ages of 70 and 89, white, female, frail, and frequently cognitively impaired.

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!

Shireen McSpadden of San Francisco describes how crucial Adult Protective Services are to elders who suffer abuse and asks Speaker Pelosi to pass the Elder Justice Act.

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.

Carrie Wong, a San Francisco resident, asks Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

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.

Birgitta Durrett, of San Francisco, asks Speaker of the House 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.

Jorge Lambrinos, of Pasadena, CA, says that elder abuse is already at a critical stage and declares that it will only get worse. His message is to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).

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.

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 .

[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.

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.

A Message from NCOA President and CEO Jim Firman

October 17, 2009

There are important lessons to be learned about elder abuse in America from the now concluded Brooke Astor case.

One is the need to close the loop and ensure federal protection for the nation’s seniors, especially the vulnerable and the frail. Currently, there are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but few related to elder abuse. In some states like New York and California, there is great attention paid to prosecuting elder abuse. In others, there is not.

Another is that elder abuse can happen to anyone. Take Carolyn Crewey of Houston, Texas who, at age 90, lost her home, much of her furniture, and had her bank account compromised at the hands of a ‘good friend.’ Or, Vicki Bastion, 92, of Hayward, California who installed a security gate inside her home to protect her and what values she had left from her grandson and his gang-related friends who had moved in with her.

These video stories and hundreds of others the National Council on Aging and WITNESS have videotaped over the past six months as part of our Elder Justice Now campaign show the need for far more awareness, training and education about elder abuse. Families, caregivers, law enforcement and our financial institutions all need to be on the lookout for its signs.

As a baby boomer, I am concerned that there is little attention being paid to this issue just as the largest generation in history is entering its third age and turning 60. It’s time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act, a bill that would provide increased federal resources and leadership to support state and community efforts to prevent, detect, treat, understand, intervene in and, where appropriate, prosecute elder abuse.

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!

Roger Spooner of Michigan, who worked in adult protective services for many years, believes that there needs to be broader recognition of the problem elder abuse presents. He urges Congress to give front line workers the support they need.

The Elder Justice Act would ensure public/private infrastructure and resources needed to prevent, detect, treat, understand, intervene in, and, where appropiate, prosecute elder abuse.

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.

Adele Gorody of Houston, Texas tells her member of Congress why passing the Elder Justice Act is essential

The Elder Justice Act has been in the hands of Congress since 2002. It’s time for Congress to act.

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

Earlier today (Sept. 22, 2009), Finance Chairman Max Baucus released a list of proposed amendments that he was immediately accepting for addition to the health care legislation. This document – called the "Chairman's Mark" – includes the original health reform legislation plus the automatically adopted amendments. This will likely the base text that the Committee members will debate. And the good news – The Elder Justice Act (EJA) was included in the Chairman’s Mark!

What does this mean for the Elder Justice Act? It means that if the Finance Committee approves its version of health reform legislation later this week or next, the Senate will have once again approved the Elder Justice Act. But we still need the House in order for EJA to become law.

It also means your voice is crucial for securing House support for the Elder Justice Act.

To act today:

1) Write to or call your Senator or Representative today to request support for the EJA – include a link to one of the below videos or click here to upload from YouTube to make your message more powerful.

2) Sign this petition and call on the U.S. Congress to act now.

3) Share a story via text or video: help us break the silence by adding your voice to the national campaign and urge Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act now!

4) Forward this to your friends and anyone who cares about older Americans.

Thank you for your constant support!

This week offers a critical opportunity to advance the Elder Justice Act—a law that will finally bring a coordinated approach to ending elder abuse in this country.

You can help.

The Senate Finance Committee is considering the Elder Justice Act as an amendment to its health reform bill. This amendment would represent the most significant federal commitment to date to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It provides an unprecedented and dedicated funding stream for Adult Protective Services (APS), which operate in all states and are the frontline workers helping elder abuse victims.

It is critical the Elder Justice Act pass now because elder abuse is a growing national epidemic. There is elder abuse occurring in every zip code in the United States affecting our health care system, our economy and our social fabric. Click VIDEO to see and hear the stories of some our America’s abused and neglected elders from older adults themselves, their families and those who serve them in local communities across the country. These elders and advocates share their stories and beliefs because we, as a country, have to step up and protect older Americans now. We hope that once you have seen their stories you will take up this charge along with us.

This is a critical moment and we need your help – please:

1) Write to or call your Senator or Representative today to request support for the EJA – include a link to one of these videos to make your message more powerful

2) Sign this petition and call on the U.S. Congress to act now

3) Share a story via text or video: help us break the silence by adding your voice to the national campaign and urge Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act now!

Thanks for your support!

Bobbie Sackman is the Director of Public Policy at the Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York. Based on her professional experience, Sackman knows that elder abuse often happens behind closed doors and often within families. She believes that it is time to stand and do something to protect the nation’s elderly.

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

It’s time for Congress to act and pass the Elder Justice Act now.

Get Involved: take action now!

Senior fraud is all too common to Asst. District Attorney Joanne Woodruff of San Antonio, Texas. In Bexar County District alone, there are 150 active cases of elder abuse. Here she tells about a case involving a supposed friend of an elderly man. This ‘friend’ deceitfully gained the rights to access the gentleman’s bank accounts, took the victim’s money and refused his sister the opportunity to see him on his deathbed.

Elder financial abuse, while under-reported, accounts for an annual loss by victims of an estimated $2.6 billion.

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

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

Mary Roberts of Houston, Texas speaks on behalf of “the seniors that you have and the seniors that you will become,” asking Congress to “pass the Elder Justice Act because the quality of our life will be better and we will longer.”

Each year an estimated 5 million of America’s older adults are beaten, ignored or financially exploited.

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

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

This moving story is by a daughter, the youngest of five siblings, who was her mother’s caregiver and also in control of her finances. Her mother has Alzheimer’s. She began paying her own bills using her mother’s money. Ultimately, she was confronted by one of her sisters and relinquished control of her mother’s estate to a qualified financial manager. She has since made the transition from an abuser to an elder rights advocate.

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

It is time for Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act. Your help is needed. Take action now!

Mark Hassell of Monterey, California tells the story of his grandmother, Lillian, who is a victim of financial abuse. She is 99 years old and has Alzheimer’s. A ‘friend’ from church offered to help when due to her declining health, Lillian fell behind on her bills. Months of forgery, loan schemes, and foreclosures ensued, leaving her almost penniless.

Elder financial abuse is regarded as the third most commonly substantiated type of elder abuse, following neglect and emotional/psychological abuse.

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

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

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
Take action now!

Cindy Healy, of Monterey, California, is a CPA who serves as a trustee and guardian for many area elders. She works alongside Adult Protective Services and families to help prevent financial elder abuse fraud, detect it where it happens, and reconcile the damages. She asks members of Congress to act immediately on behalf of the nation’s elders who need help now but also for all of us that are seniors to come. As the number of elders increases, so does the problem. 

Between 2000 and 2004, reports of elder and vulnerable abuse in this country increased 20%.

The Elder Justice Act will create a federal office of Adult Protective Services, allowing for better coordination and informaton sharing nationwide.

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

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

Sam Leichter is Program Coordinator for the Elder Financial Protection Network of San Francisco, California.  Sam speaks everyday with victims of financial abuse and exploitation and here he underlines the importance of approving the Elder Justice Act.

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

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

This plea from Jaynry Mak Associate Director of the Elder Financial Protection Network in San Francisco, California, Jaynry asks Congress to act now in order to prevent more elders from suffering from financial exploitation and scams.

Get Involved: take action now!