In a significant session on June 19, 2025, the California State Senate addressed the pressing issue of elder and dependent adult abuse through the presentation of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 80 (ACR 80). Senator Scott Wiener introduced the resolution, which designates June as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in California. This initiative comes at a critical time as the state's aging population continues to grow, with projections indicating that by 2030, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in California's history.

Senator Wiener highlighted alarming statistics, noting that California is home to over 6 million adults aged 65 and older, many of whom are at risk of abuse due to conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. Currently, only 1 in 24 incidents of elder abuse are reported, and in 2023, older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams, particularly targeting seniors through fraudulent calls and technical support fraud. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, and financial—that affect vulnerable populations regardless of their background.

Senator Choi also voiced strong support for ACR 80, emphasizing the need for increased reporting and preventive services. He pointed out that California's adult protective services receive over 15,000 reports of elder abuse each month, a number that continues to rise. However, the reality is that many cases remain unreported, with only 1 in 44 financial abuse cases known to authorities. Choi urged fellow legislators to leverage their influence to combat this issue and strive for a future where elder abuse is eradicated.

The discussions during this Senate session underscore the urgent need for collective action to protect California's elderly population. By recognizing June as a month dedicated to awareness, lawmakers aim to foster a culture of vigilance and support for older adults, ensuring they do not suffer in silence. As the resolution moves forward, it is clear that the fight against elder abuse will require ongoing commitment and resources to address this growing concern effectively.