WHEREAS, elder abuse is an often unseen and underreported public health and civil rights issue; and
WHEREAS, protecting North Carolina's vulnerable and older adults is a community responsibility and all citizens are charged under state law to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to their local county Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, our state ranks ninth nationally in the number of people aged 65 and over, and by 2025 one in five North Carolina residents will be older than 65; and
WHEREAS, abuse, neglect, and exploitation can occur in any setting including the home and long-term care facilities, and it is critical that reports be made to the appropriate authorities; and
WHEREAS, fostering, maintaining, and improving supports to prevent abuse allows vulnerable and older adults to exercise their autonomy and ability to live in the setting of their choice; and
WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides a time for North Carolinians to pause and reflect on those who are susceptible to maltreatment, reminding us to promote a better understanding of the causes of this often unseen and unreported public health and civil rights issue, and to make sure we remain focused on the needs of our elder residents to lead lives of dignity and purpose;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2023, as “WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.