June 2022: Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Michigan’s older adults are valued members of our state, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safety and minimize crimes against them; and,

WHEREAS, one in ten older adults in the United States experiences abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Crimes against older adults often go unnoticed and unreported, leaving victims without the help and support they need; and,

WHEREAS, more than 73,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse; and,

WHEREAS, all Michigan residents should watch for signs of abuse, such as physical trauma, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and fear of family members, friends, or caregivers; and,

WHEREAS, efforts to identify, report, and investigate elder mistreatment are important to reduce harm to elder and vulnerable adults; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, I join with the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness of elder and vulnerable adult abuse in Michigan and urge Michiganders to learn more about the signs of abuse to protect those in need and decrease elder and vulnerable adult abuse in our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Michigan.