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Adopt and present a resolution proclaiming June 2019 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month and June 15, 2019 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Solano County (Supervisor Spering)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution proclaiming June 2019 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month and June 15, 2019 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization. Observance of the day also aligns with the United Nations International Plan of Action, which acknowledges the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. The commemoration is meant to give communities around the world a platform for raising awareness of elder abuse and renewing a commitment to address the issue. The theme for this year's observance is "Lift Up Voices for Elder Justice."
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, about one in ten Americans over the age of 60 years has experienced abuse; this represents an estimated five million older adults, according to the national Administration on Community Living. The Center on Elder Abuse's 2018 factsheet on elder abuse defines abuse as "intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an older person." It states that abuse can take many forms, including: neglect and isolation; physical, sexual and financial abuse; and, emotional or psychological abuse. It lists common risk factors as dementia, mental health or substance abuse issues of an older person and/or a perpetrator, social isolation and poor physical health. The abuse can be addressed by greater community awareness and involvement, good p...
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