Summary of SRES 300: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Resolution

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SRES 300

Title: A resolution designating June 15, 2025, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" and the month of June 2025 as "Elder Abuse Awareness Month."

Status: Introduced in Senate

Introduced Date: June 24, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SRES 300 is to raise awareness about elder abuse and to promote efforts to prevent it. By designating June 15, 2025, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the entire month of June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the resolution aims to highlight the importance of recognizing, addressing, and preventing elder abuse in the United States.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several important provisions:

1. Designation of Awareness Days:

   • June 15, 2025, is officially recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
   • The month of June 2025 is designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

2. Recognition of Key Stakeholders:

   • Acknowledges the contributions of various professionals and organizations, including:
     • Judges, lawyers, adult protective services professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, health care providers, and advocates for victims.
     • The Elder Justice Coordinating Council, which has operated across multiple presidential administrations and involves 15 federal agencies.
     • Adult protective services personnel who assist victims and investigate abuse reports, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Support for Prevention Efforts:

   • Applauds the work of the Elder Justice Coalition in increasing public awareness and reporting of elder abuse.
   • Encourages public and professional engagement in recognizing and preventing elder abuse through outreach to local agencies and educational initiatives.

4. Call to Action:

   • Urges individuals and agencies to collaborate at federal, state, and local levels to combat abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
   • Encourages federal agencies to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting older adults, whether they reside in the community or long-term care facilities.

Impact

The resolution aims to impact various stakeholders, including:

• Older Adults: Increased awareness and prevention efforts may lead to better protection for vulnerable older individuals.
• Professionals: Judges, social workers, and health care providers will be recognized for their roles and encouraged to enhance their efforts in preventing elder abuse.
• Public Awareness: The resolution seeks to educate the public on recognizing and reporting elder abuse, potentially leading to increased identification of such cases.

Legislative Actions

• June 24, 2025: The resolution was submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by unanimous consent.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Chuck Grassley
• Cosponsor: Richard Blumenthal

This resolution serves as a significant step towards raising awareness and fostering a collaborative approach to combat elder abuse, ultimately aiming to protect one of society's most vulnerable populations.