Conference scheduled to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 13, 2009
BY KATHIE DURBIN
COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER
The local event is being held in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, which recognizes elder abuse as a significant public health and human rights issue worldwide.
The Clark County Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force has taken the lead on the issue of elder abuse in recent years.
In 2007, the task force worked with state Rep. Jim Moeller to get legislation passed in Olympia that makes it easier for interested parties to file protective orders when vulnerable adults — generally those over age 60 who are incapacitated or disabled — are exploited by relatives or others.
The task force scored another success this year with passage of a bill that will prohibit someone who financially exploits an elderly or disabled person from inheriting money or property from his or her victim’s estate.
The bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire last month.
Speaking at Monday’s event will be Vancouver attorneys Jim Senescu and Jessica Dimitrov, who lobbied for passage of the vulnerable adults legislation; Joan Smith, chief executive officer of Loaves and Fishes; Dianna Kretzschmar of the Fort Vancouver Convalescent Center; and Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Art Curtis.
Elected officials and police chiefs from Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Washougal and Battle Ground are expected to attend, as are Clark County Sheriff Garry Lucas and representatives of local hospitals.
The session begins at 10 a.m. Those attending are urged to show their support by wearing purple.
SOURCE: The Columbian - Vancouver,WA,USA
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