Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement on the Observance of the 8th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Washington, DC – (Saturday, June 15, 2013) –  In 2006, the United Nations designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day aimed at bringing global attention to the physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. This day is also a time to contemplate the challenges the aging population face on a daily basis, and to bring together different entities to foster ideas on how to stop abuse of those in the elder community.

“On this day, we must all take the time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices these citizens have made to our Nation, and to ensure that they are protected from abuse,” said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.  She continued, “In my district of Dallas, Texas, a large portion of its occupants are elders, and I have always been a staunch advocate for their protection. Acts of abuse against our senior citizens is unconscionable, and we must all do our part to identify ways to reduce incidents of abuse and neglect. I encourage everyone to raise awareness of the mistreatment of elders, and make a commitment to protect the older Americans of this country.”

Millions of older Americans are neglected, abused, or exploited each year, with an estimated 84 percent of cases going unreported. The World Health Organization data suggests that four to six percent of the elderly suffer from some form of abuse, but with a lack of comprehensive data collection, the numbers could be much higher. Estimates indicate that by 2050, the global population of people above the age of 60 will exceed the number of younger people

###

U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a Ranking member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.