ASSEMBLY AGING AND SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 123

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 2, 2021

      The Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 123.

     This joint resolution designates June 15 of each year as “Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in order to foster an awareness and understanding of elder abuse.  This joint resolution also respectfully requests that the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this state to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs. 

     Every year, approximately five million senior citizens across the United States are victims of elder abuse.  Common signs of elder abuse include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse, or financial abuse.  Senior citizens are often abused by the same individuals responsible for their well-being such as a family member or staff members at an assisted living facility.  Mistreatment often goes unreported as many victims are either ashamed or fear that the report will make the situation worse.  To raise awareness of this widespread problem, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization launched World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2006.  The purpose of this day is to provide communities with the opportunity to better understand the abuse and neglect of senior citizens.  By establishing June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in New Jersey, the State will join this global day of learning and advocacy.