BILL NUMBER: HR 13	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 17, 2011

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Yamada

                        MAY 3, 2011

   Relative to Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



   WHEREAS, Elder and vulnerable adult abuse is a crime and a serious
and growing crisis in California; and
   WHEREAS, Not a day goes by without reports of horrific cases of
abuse or exploitation of older or vulnerable adults; and
   WHEREAS, Throughout the United States, 10,000 people a day are
turning 65 years of age; and
   WHEREAS, One in every eight individuals over 65 years of age is
living with Alzheimer's disease  ,  and one in every
 76 Californians   110 youth born today 
has a disorder on the Autism Spectrum. The rapid growth of special
populations like these that are in need of enhanced protection will
further challenge the overwhelmed vulnerable adult protection system;
and
   WHEREAS, Older and vulnerable adults may be impacted by any of a
constellation of physical, mental, pharmaceutical, or medical
influences that could render them unable to self-advocate, to report,
or to testify; and
   WHEREAS, At least 2 percent, and as many as 10 percent, of the
elder and vulnerable adult population in California are abused,
molested, injured, exploited, or scammed each year; and
   WHEREAS, The incidence of abuse and exploitation of the
developmentally disabled population is shocking. Over 80 percent of
women with developmental disabilities and over 30 percent of men with
developmental disabilities are sexually abused at least once during
their lifetime; and
   WHEREAS, Current estimates suggest that as few as one in 14 cases
of elder and vulnerable adult abuse is reported, including fewer than
one in 25 incidents of financial abuse, because the victims are
ashamed, hopeless, intimidated, or afraid of the abuser; and
   WHEREAS, A comprehensive central data repository of all child
abuse investigations has been in existence since 1965, but no similar
repository exists for investigations of crimes against frail, elder,
and vulnerable adults; and
   WHEREAS, Even in the year 2011, with a booming and exponentially
expanding population of elder and vulnerable adults, the state of
California does not collect comprehensive data on abuse cases,
reports, or investigations. This inhibits the government's ability to
make informed decisions about improving the existing reporting
system, enhancing protections, or lending law enforcement the tools
necessary to ensure justice; and
   WHEREAS, The lack of statewide elder abuse statistics prevents
policymakers from measuring the extent of these crimes and tragedies.
The lack of a single point of contact to report an incident of abuse
of and elder or vulnerable adult contributes to the current climate
of under reporting; and
   WHEREAS, Elder and vulnerable adult abuse may be physical,
emotional, sexual, or fiduciary, and consists of crimes that know no
boundaries of economic or educational status, gender, race,
ethnicity, or geographic location; and
   WHEREAS, Subtle indicators that abuse may be occurring include
bruises or pressure marks, unexplained withdrawal from normal
activities, a sudden change in alertness, unusual depression, sudden
changes in financial situations, strained or tense relationships, or
frequent arguments between a caregiver and a client. Recognizing
these signs is the first step toward the prevention of elder and
vulnerable adult abuse; and
   WHEREAS, Elders and vulnerable adults have the right to live
safely in the least restrictive environment, whether in their homes
or health care facilities, and to enjoy an optimum quality of life
while being protected from all forms of abuse; and
   WHEREAS, Private citizens and public agencies must work to combat
crime and violence against elders and vulnerable adults, particularly
in the face of continued funding reductions in vital services; and
   WHEREAS, All Californians are strongly encouraged to report
suspected abuse of an elder or vulnerable adult by calling their
local adult protective services agency, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, law
enforcement, or emergency services agencies; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the
Assembly proclaims and acknowledges the month of May 2011 and every
year thereafter, as the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness
Month; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.