WHEREAS, North Carolina joins the world in recognizing the 15th observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by drawing attention to the many criminal acts targeting and perpetrated against older adults; and
WHEREAS, in state Fiscal Year 2019-2020 there were 30,779 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults made to North Carolina's 100 County Departments of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, our state’s population is living longer, and the number of individuals over the age of 60 will continue to grow more quickly than those under the age of 17; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina's older adults of all social, economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds may be targets of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, which can occur in families, long-term care settings, and communities; and
WHEREAS, protecting North Carolina's vulnerable and older adults is a community responsibility, and all residents are charged under state law to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to their local County Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, while many of us have encountered tremendous loss and adversity due to the pandemic, vulnerable and older adults without access to support systems experienced extreme isolation and became increasingly susceptible to abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and
WHEREAS, improving access to support systems enhances quality of life and allows vulnerable and older adults to live independently, exercise their autonomy, and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities; and
WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons, to raise awareness to prevent incidents of elder abuse and to report all incidents to the County Departments of Social Services, and to provide protection to vulnerable and older adults;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2021, as “WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.