[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8995--JUNE 14, 2013

Proclamation 8995 of June 14, 2013

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
After a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, every American should be
able to enjoy their golden years with dignity and security. But too
often, senior citizens are the victims of abuse, neglect, or financial
exploitation. Elder abuse is a global public health problem that affects





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people of every background and culture, and while it often occurs in
silence, it takes a devastating toll on millions of older Americans each
year. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to
ending this crime in all its forms.
My Administration is a determined advocate for older Americans. Through
the Elder Justice Act, which was enacted as part of the Affordable Care
Act, we are working to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
States and tribes are investigating risk factors for abuse and neglect
and identifying strategies to stop it. We convened the Elder Justice
Coordinating Council to better focus prevention efforts across the
Federal Government. We are committed to combatting exploitation by
empowering seniors to meet financial challenges and helping them avoid
scams. And we continue to pursue a rigorous criminal justice response to
elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation--one that holds offenders
accountable, gives professionals meaningful training, and ensures
victims get the help they need.
Older Americans have steered our Nation through times of hardship and
war, and ushered in eras of progress and prosperity. Today, let us stand
up and speak out on their behalf, and meet our responsibility to show
our elders the care and respect they deserve.
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, 2013, 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 growing 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 thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA