Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.
The resolution serves to formally recognize the month of June as a time for education and action regarding elder and dependent adult abuse. It emphasizes the critical need for awareness, noting that many cases of abuse go unreported, which hinders effective intervention and support for victims. By proclaiming a specific month for this purpose, ACR238 institutionalizes the importance of understanding and combating these human rights violations within the state’s legislative framework.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 238 (ACR238), authored by Kalra, designates June 2018 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in California. This resolution aims to raise awareness about the issues surrounding elder and dependent adult abuse, which has become increasingly pertinent as more individuals reach the age of 65. The bill highlights alarming statistics, such as the fact that one in ten Americans aged sixty or older experiences abuse annually, while those suffering from dementia are particularly vulnerable.
The sentiment surrounding ACR238 is largely positive, reflecting a compassionate approach to a serious issue affecting a significant segment of the population. Lawmakers expressed overwhelming support, as indicated by the unanimous voting history of the bill. Specifically, the acknowledgment of Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month resonates with advocates for elder rights and services, promoting community engagement and vigilance against potential abuses.
While the bill primarily promotes awareness and does not impose new regulations, it indirectly calls for sustained funding for protective services aimed at responding to elder abuse. Advocates for elder rights have indicated that such programs face ongoing budget cuts, which could undermine the efforts to combat abuse. Therefore, the resolution serves not only as a call to raise awareness but also as a reminder of the need for adequate resources and support systems to protect vulnerable populations.