[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8838--JUNE 14, 2012

Proclamation 8838 of June 14, 2012

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every American deserves the chance to live out the full measure of their
days in health and security. Yet, every year, millions of older
Americans are denied that most basic opportunity due to abuse, neglect,
or exploitation. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we call attention
to this global public health issue, and we rededicate ourselves to
providing our elders the care and protection they deserve.
Victims of elder abuse are parents and grandparents, neighbors and
friends. Elder abuse cuts across race, gender, culture, and
circumstance, and whether physical, emotional, or financial, it takes an
unacceptable toll on individuals and families across our Nation. Seniors
who experience abuse or neglect face a heightened risk of health
complications and premature death, while financial exploitation can rob
men and women of the security they have built over a lifetime.
Tragically, many older Americans suffer in silence, burdened by fear,
shame, or impairments that prevent them from speaking out about abuse.
We owe it to our seniors to expose elder abuse wherever we find it and
take action to bring it to an end. Two years ago, I was proud to sign
the Elder Justice Act, which was included in the Affordable Care Act,
and marked a major step forward in the fight against elder abuse,
neglect, and exploitation. With the Department of Health and Human
Services, we are partnering with State and local authorities to ensure
seniors can live their lives with dignity and independence. With the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, we are working to empower older
Americans with tools and information to navigate safely through
financial challenges. And with the Department of Justice, we are
protecting older Americans by prosecuting those who would target and
exploit them.
Every day, State and local agencies, protective services professionals,
law enforcement officers, private and non-profit organizations, and
leaders throughout our communities help protect older Americans from
abuse and provide care to those who have already been affected.
Together, all of us can play a role in addressing this public health
crisis that puts millions at risk. Today, let us keep faith with a
generation


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of Americans by speaking out against elder abuse, advancing
justice for victims, and building a Nation that preserves and protects
the well-being of all who call it home.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2012, as
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I call upon all Americans to observe
this day by learning the signs of elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation, and by raising awareness about this public health issue.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA