National Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today, I come to the Senate to recognize June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. I am introducing a resolution with Democratic Senator Blumenthal for this very purpose. This is a time to shed light on a crisis that too often remains in the shadows.

Last year, an estimated one in six older Americans experienced some form of abuse in a community setting, whether physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. For every elder abuse case that is reported, as many as 24 go unreported, it is estimated.

These aren't just numbers. They are our parents, our grandparents, our neighbors, and our veterans. Elder abuse isn't limited by geography or income. It occurs in nursing homes and private residences, the very places meant to offer these elderly people care and protection.

With a fast-growing senior population in our country, the urgency to act has never been greater. This month, we recommit to building a society that views aging not as a burden but as a source of wisdom, experience, and continued contribution.

We recommit to raising awareness of elder abuse and implementing protections for those in our society who protected us first. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring older Americans this month.

In the Senate Judiciary Committee, which I chair, I am working to support Protect Our Seniors. So tomorrow, I am holding a hearing to examine how scammers are targeting older Americans.

This continues my effort to ensure that seniors are protected from financial predators and can live with the security and the dignity that these seniors deserve.

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