Hawkeye Reporter

Senators Chuck Grassley and Richard Blumenthal have introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate to recognize June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The resolution seeks to raise awareness about elder abuse and fraud schemes that target seniors, and commends the Elder Justice Coalition for its efforts in increasing public understanding of these issues.

Grassley is set to chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on how scammers target senior citizens. This hearing is part of ongoing efforts by lawmakers to address financial exploitation and ensure security for older Americans.

“Elder abuse isn’t limited by geography or income. It occurs in nursing homes and private residences—the very places meant to offer them care and protection. With a fast-growing senior population in our country, the urgency to act has never been greater. This month...we recommit to raising awareness of elder abuse and implementing protections for those in our society who protected us first,” Grassley said.

Blumenthal added, “Too many of our nation’s seniors are victims of physical abuse, emotional exploitation, and financial scams. Senior citizens deserve peace of mind, support, and care—not the anxiety and fear that comes with the threat of elder abuse. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to our senior citizens and advocating for their safety, rights, and wellbeing.”

Bob Blancato, National Coordinator for the Elder Justice Coalition, also commented: “Elder abuse prevention is enhanced greatly when public awareness is raised. The Grassley-Blumenthal resolution is a powerful example of raising national public awareness about elder abuse. Its joint designation of June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month allows vital attention to be focused on the issue while also empowering those in adult protective services and our long-term care ombudsman to continue their important work. The Elder Justice Coalition salutes Senators Grassley and Blumenthal for their steadfast advocacy of elder justice in America.”

According to available data, elder abuse affects an estimated one in six older Americans living in community settings each year. Forms of abuse include physical, sexual or psychological harm, financial exploitation, neglect, and social media-related abuses. Reporting rates remain low; only one in 24 cases are reported overall, with even fewer reports—one in 44—for financial exploitation incidents among elders.

Most cases occur within private homes rather than institutional settings.

Grassley addressed the Senate floor ahead of introducing the resolution: “Today I want to recognize June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and I’m introducing a resolution with Senator Blumenthal for this purpose. This is a time to shed light on a crisis that too often remains in the shadows.

Last year, an estimated one in six older Americans experienced some form of abuse in a community setting — whether physical, emotional, financial or neglect.

For every elder abuse case that’s reported, as many as 24 go unreported. These aren’t just numbers. They’re our parents, our grandparents, our neighbors and our veterans.

Elder abuse isn’t limited by geography or income. It occurs in nursing homes and private residences—the very places meant to offer them care and protection.

With a fast-growing senior population in our country, the urgency to act has never been greater.

This month, we recommit to building a society that views aging not as a burden, but as a source of wisdom, experience, and continued contribution.

We recommit to raising awareness of elder abuse and implementing protections for those in our society who protected us first.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring older Americans this month.

In the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m working to support and protect our seniors. Tomorrow I’m holding a hearing to examine how scammers are targeting older Americans. This continues my efforts to ensure that seniors are protected from financial predators and can live with the security and dignity they deserve.”