LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today announced her support of a House resolution that calls on Congress to enact the Elder Justice Act, which will provide states with more resources to prevent elder abuse, provide victim assistance and increase prosecution of those who mistreat seniors. The resolution passed the House on Tuesday.
"Too many of our seniors are at risk of being abused or exploited by the very people who are supposed to take care of them," Ebli said. "Our state currently lacks the resources to protect these at-risk seniors – and that's why this federal Elder Justice Act is important."
Elder abuse ranges from abandonment and neglect to financial exploitation to emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Women are more likely than men to suffer from elder abuse or neglect, with two out of three elder abuse victims being women, according to a 2004 survey conducted by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). The NCEA also found that two in five victims were 80 or older.
Michigan's Adult Protective Services investigated more than 9,300 cases of adult mistreatment in 2001, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Adults age 60 and older accounted for 69 percent of the victims – an estimated 6,479 seniors. The investigations found that 70 percent of all victims suffered neglect and 15 percent were abused.
"Our state needs the resources to protect elderly residents who are unable to protect themselves," Ebli said. "I hope to see Congress give Michigan the funding needed to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents."