Senator Dodd Proclaims June Elder and Vulnerable Adult Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO – The California Senate today passed a bipartisan resolution from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, proclaiming the month of June as Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness month.

“Too often, this most-vulnerable population falls victim to physical, financial and emotional mistreatment,” Senator Dodd said. “We as a society need to be more mindful of this heart-wrenching pattern of abuse. This resolution will bring statewide attention to the problem while encouraging advocates to continue working collaboratively to stop it.”

The resolution comes as California’s over-60 population soars at a faster rate than any other state in the nation. The number of elderly people is expected to double by 2025 to 6.4 million people, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

Statistics show one in 10 Americans over 60 suffer abuse or neglect each year. In California complaints to the state’s long-term care ombudsman are more than twice the national average.  At the same time, adults with developmental disabilities are also victimized at shocking levels.

“I want us to begin doing a better job of serving and protecting seniors and vulnerable adults,” Dodd said.

Debbie Toth is president and chief executive office of the Contra Costa County-based nonprofit, Choice in Aging. The Pleasant Hill group promotes dignity and independence among seniors and people with disabilities.

“We’re delighted that Senator Dodd recognizes that awareness is the first step toward addressing this issue,” Toth said. “By highlighting it we’re headed in the right direction.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.