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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 988

	WHEREAS, The 2.1 million Texans who are aged 65 or older 
have contributed to the general welfare of this state by helping 
to preserve our customs, convictions, and traditions; and
	WHEREAS, In 2004, more than 44,000 Texans who were elderly 
or who had a mental or physical disability were affected by 
abuse; elder abuse can happen to men and women of all income 
levels and all cultural and ethnic groups, whether they are in 
good health or incapacitated in some way and whether they live
in poor neighborhoods or affluent suburbs; and
	WHEREAS, Many of these citizens are dependent on others
for their care, making them susceptible to abusive or neglectful 
treatment; they may be ill, isolated, or without a capable 
caregiver or resources to meet basic needs; signs of mistreatment 
may include depression, withdrawal, physical injuries, and 
financial difficulties due to exploitation; and
	WHEREAS, Elder abuse is grossly underreported because
the victims may find it difficult to tell anyone and are often 
ashamed or afraid; and
	WHEREAS, Dedicated professionals are working to strengthen 
the protective service resource network by engaging community 
service providers to prevent the escalation of abuse and by 
seeking to increase involvement of community organizations; and
	WHEREAS, It is essential that awareness of elder abuse be 
increased through public education in order to safeguard these 
vital and integral members of our society, who have so generously
enriched our lives with their wisdom and experience; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize May 2005 as Elder Abuse 
Prevention Month and encourage all Texans to report suspected 
abuse, neglect, or exploitation and to work together to help 
protect our cherished senior citizens.
                                                                          Harris




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 23, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate