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Governor Proclaims June 15 Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Day
June 15, 2012
LANSING - Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed June 15 as "Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Day", in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Day. This proclamation, in addition to strong support for a package of elder abuse bills, further exemplifies Michigan's commitment to protecting older adults throughout the state.
"Vulnerable adult abuse is one of Michigan's fastest growing crimes, with an estimated 80,000 victims each year," said Kari Sederburg, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA). "Sadly, these people are suffering, often in silence, because Michigan does not have adequate tools and resources to protect and support victims and improve prevention and prosecution efforts."
Governor Snyder has supported the 18-bill bipartisan package of elder abuse bills that provide necessary reforms including increased criminal penalties, provisions for video-taped testimony, required training for employees of financial institutions, improved coordination between state and local authorities, and a silver alert program.
"We are fortunate to have a Governor who understands that Michigan's elders and vulnerable adults are valued community members who deserve to live with respect and dignity, and that we can do more as a state to protect them from abuse, neglect and exploitation," Sederburg said.
Ten of the 18 bills have passed both the House and Senate. The other eight bills are still in committee.
The Office of Services to the Aging is an agency of the State of Michigan whose mission is to provide leadership, innovation, advocacy, and policy on behalf of Michigan's older adults and their caregivers. For more information contact the Office of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230 or visit www.michigan.gov/miseniors.
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