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SJR 12: Elder Abuse Awareness Stamp (2007)

Summary

This resolution encourages Congress and the President to enact legislation authorizing the Postmaster General to create an Elder Abuse Stamp that would help raise funds for elder abuse awareness and prevention programs. 

For more information, you can read the SJR 12 "Fact Sheet" prepared by a member of Senator Simitian's staff.

Final Status and Text

SJR 12 is no longer active. Its final status was:
Resolution passed

You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.

Background Information

Three semi-postal stamps currently exist to raise funds for their various causes: the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, the Heroes of 2001 Stamp, and the Stop Family Violence Stamp.  Stamp sales have raised $48 million for breast cancer research, $10.6 million for the families of emergency relief personnel killed or permanently disabled in connection with the attacks of September 11, 2001, and $1.8 million to help fund domestic violence prevention programs.  A semi-postal stamp can be issued either through direct federal law, or through an application process with the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee on behalf of the Postmaster General.

Need for the Legislation

  • It is estimated that 4 to 6 percent of all senior citizens will become victims of some form of elder abuse, including neglect and exploitation
  • Fewer than 20 percent of elder abuse cases are reported to adult protective services or law enforcement agencies
  • Although the federal government spends $6.7 billion on child abuse prevention efforts, and $520 million on programs designed to combat violence against women, it spends only $153.5 million on elder abuse prevention
  • According to the American Medical Association, seniors who are abused or mistreated are three times more likely to die earlier than seniors of the same age who are not abused or mistreated
  • The elder population is projected to nearly double in the next 20 years, making this a pressing issue.