Statements by Speaker Christine C. Quinn
and Council Member Jessica Lappin
Re: Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Speaker Quinn
said: "In order to identify and combat elder abuse, we must do everything
we can to ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents and those who
provide services to them are well-informed about the issue. Older adults must
know how to protect themselves and ways to access help. The City has resources
available to prevent elder abuse and is committed to helping older adults live
independently and with dignity, without the threat of neglect and mistreatment.
Elder abuse is more common that we would like to think, and Elder Abuse
Awareness Day serves as a way to spread the word that this despicable offense
will not be tolerated."
Council
Member Lappin said: "Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we
stand in solidarity with the victims of neglect and exploitation. We can all
play a role in protecting our elderly family members, friends and
neighbors. Resources including the City Council's Elder Abuse Prevention
brochure ( http://council.nyc.gov/html/action_center/pdf/eldeabuse.pdf ),
the New York City Elder Abuse Network's website http://www.nycean.net/ , and 311 are available
to teach New Yorkers how they can fight this crime."