CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
RECOGNIZING JUNE 2022 AS ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, elder abuse occurs among people of diverse educational, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds who are victimized by strangers and/or by persons they know and who may occupy a position of trust; and
WHEREAS, after fighting COVID-19 for more than two years, the global pandemic continues to impact everyone, especially elders, by making fragile living situations more stressful and putting elders more at risk for their physical health, safety, and well-being; and WHEREAS, the pandemic also made reporting suspected elder abuse and neglect more difficult, and provided opportunities for those who prey upon the concerns and fears of the most vulnerable members of our society to create new scams to obtain their money and property; and
WHEREAS, the Sebastopol Senior Center provides a comprehensive array of services, as well as recreational and social programs, to meet the needs of our elder population, enhance their quality of life, and help them remain active, healthy, independent, and safe; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastopol recognizes that awareness of elder abuse and neglect, as well as reporting suspected elder abuse and neglect and financial exploitation, will help keep our elders and community safer.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Mayor Patrick Slayter, and the City of Sebastopol City Council do hereby proclaim June 2022 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and encourage all residents to recognize elders as valuable members of our community who have the right to live safely and securely in our City.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 7th day of June 2022.
Mayor Patrick Slayter