John B. Breaux: “I take a moment to speak to legislation that has been introduced by myself along with a number of bipartisan colleagues…”

“I take a moment to speak to legislation that has been introduced by myself along with a number of bipartisan colleagues, which is entitled the Elder Justice Act of 2002. I think there are probably few pressing national concerns of social issues that are as important and also ignored as much as elder abuse, elder neglect, and also the exploitation of elder Americans. This abuse of our seniors takes many different forms. It could be physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and it could also be financial abuse. The perpetrator may be a stranger you have never heard of or never seen; it may be an acquaintance; it may be a paid caregiver in some institution; it may be a corporation; and, unfortunately, far too often it can be a spouse or another member of the elderly person's family. Elder abuse happens everywhere--in poor, middle class, and upper income households; in cities, suburbs, and in rural areas. It knows no demographic or geographic boundaries.”