Texas Political News: Governor Perry Proclaims May “Elder Abuse Prevention Month”
The Texas Lobby Group makes this announcement for the benefit of all political lobbyists and consultants in Texas, along with all interested political parties and constituents.
Texas Governor Rick Perry has declared the month of May, 2012 as “Elder Abuse Prevention Month.” This proclamation serves as a reminder to all Texans that we must watch out for our elderly citizens, who are vulnerable to physical, emotional, and financial abuse and exploitation. In 2011, Adult Protective Services investigated over 80,000 suspected incidents of elder abuse in Texas. Of those, it was confirmed that over 50,000 cases of adult abuse occurred in our state in 2011.
Texas State Law requires that anyone suspecting abuse, neglect, or exploitation report such cases to the Texas Abuse Hotline by calling 800-252-5400 or reporting abuse at the official TAH website.
Further, Adult Protective Services asks all civic organizations, hospitals, retirement communities, churches, etc. to help protect our elderly citizens by downloading and sharing the Adult Abuse Prevention kit. This thirty page resource is available in English and in Spanish.
The full text of Governor Perry’s proclamation is below and can be found online here.
“Texans have a duty to protect people of all ages from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Elderly and disabled Texans are especially susceptible to these crimes, and we must continue working to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Texas is home to more than 2.5 million elderly residents, and there are tens of thousands of elder abuse cases each year. Types of maltreatment may include emotional abuse, forced isolation, financial exploitation or physical injury. Abusive or neglectful caregivers may show anger or indifference toward elders, prevent them from speaking to or seeing visitors, or take advantage of their financial resources. All Texans have an obligation to report suspicions of elderly abuse or neglect. This can be done by calling, toll-free, (800) 252-5400, or by using the secure web site http://www.txabusehotline. org.
Each year, the Adult Protective Services program of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services conducts a public awareness campaign designed to prevent abuse and exploitation of elderly Texans. At this time, I encourage all Texans to ensure that we are taking the very best care of our seniors by reaching out to the elderly in communities across Texas and, again, reporting any suspicion of senior abuse to the proper authorities.
Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim May 2012 to be Elder Abuse Prevention Month in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.
In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 16th day of March, 2012.”