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WHEREAS, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is recognized each year on June 15th to highlight elder abuse, which can be in the form of financial, emotional, physical and/or sexual; and,
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WHEREAS, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse first established the commemoration in June 2006. WEAAD was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011; and
WHEREAS, social isolation, dementia and financial or emotional stress can make a senior vulnerable to abuse. Approximately 1 in 10 elderly Americans are abused annually; however, many of those who are abused suffer in silence, and many cases are never reported or brought to light; and,
WHEREAS, the consequences of elder abuse are bleak: abused older adults are twice as likely to be hospitalized, four times as likely to go into nursing homes, and three times as likely to die. Studies show that 60% of abusers are family members, but the act of abuse can happen in any setting; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby call on the residents of the City of Pittsburgh to be diligent in preventing elder abuse and ensuring that our aging individuals are able to age with dignity; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Thursday, June 15, 2023 to be “Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.