Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Massachusetts seniors are valued citizens of the Commonwealth and it is our responsibility to ensure that they live in safety and with dignity; and
Whereas Massachusetts confirmed approximately 18,000 cases of elder abuse last year; and
Whereas The tragedy of elder abuse is an ever-increasing problem in today’s society across socio-economic groups; and
Whereas Elder abuse often goes unreported because its victims are ashamed or afraid to report it; and
Whereas All of our citizens should watch for signs of physical trauma, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, financial exploitation, and neglect in older family members, friends, and neighbors and report cases of suspected abuse,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim June 15th, 2012, to be
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, fifth day of June, in the year two thousand and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts