Grassley Leads Senate Resolution with Blumenthal Designating June as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month”

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a Senate resolution with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) designating June as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month” and June 15 as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” This bipartisan resolution brings awareness to abuse, neglect and exploitation of the United States’ growing population of seniors.

 

“Seniors in America often are the most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. As a leader on the Judiciary Committee, I’ve worked to empower America’s seniors, their families and law enforcement partners to identify instances of abuse and exploitation, and hold perpetrators accountable. Combatting elder abuse is a team effort that requires continued vigilance and engagement. This resolution raises awareness, protects our loved ones and empowers all citizens to take a stand against elder abuse,” Grassley said.

 

“Our nation’s elders deserve to live free from unacceptable, unconscionable abuse. This measure recognizes the importance of their safety and security, and the much-needed efforts to protect older Americans from scammers and abusers. I’m proud to join my colleagues as we raise awareness for the importance of safeguarding our most-vulnerable elderly Americans,” Blumenthal said.

 

The resolution recognizes the essential work done by adult protective services, health care personnel, ombudsmen, criminal justice personnel and advocates who actively work to combat and prevent elder abuse in communities around the country. It also encourages members of the public and professionals who work with older adults to promote awareness and long-term prevention of elder abuse.

 

Grassley has long been a leader in the effort to protect older Americans. Since his bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Protection Act of 2017 became law, Grassley has introduced further legislation to protect the aging population. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grassley led an investigation and released a comprehensive report on the care in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.