{"id":7461,"date":"2025-04-17T11:24:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\/?p=7461"},"modified":"2025-04-17T11:24:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:24:03","slug":"michigan-senate-passes-comprehensive-package-to-protect-vulnerable-adults-from-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/irwin\/2025\/04\/17\/michigan-senate-passes-comprehensive-package-to-protect-vulnerable-adults-from-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Senate Passes Comprehensive Package to Protect Vulnerable Adults from Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Michigan Senate takes action to help communities better detect and address cases of elder abuse and exploitation<\/i>\u00a0<\/div>\n
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LANSING, Mich. (April 16, 2025) \u2014 Elder abuse and exploitation is a serious and growing concern and, today, the Michigan Senate voted to better protect seniors across Michigan. Led by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt<\/b> (D-Eastpointe), this package would enhance protections for vulnerable adults by strengthening penalties for abuse and financial exploitation offenses, while also developing programs to bolster prevention efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one should have to worry about being taken advantage of as they age, yet too many Michigan seniors fall victim to abuse and exploitation,\u201d said Sen. Klinefelt<\/b>. \u201cI\u2019m thankful for my colleagues who joined me in putting politics aside to pass good public policy that strengthens protections, holds criminals accountable, and ensures vulnerable adults have the resources they need to stay safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General<\/a><\/u><\/span>, more than 73,000 older adults in the state are victims of abuse and exploitation. This can lead to serious physical and psychological effects<\/a><\/u><\/span>, such as depression, increased hospitalization, and premature death. Elder abuse and exploitation also pose an economic issue, as financial scams and fraud cost older adults over $28 billion each year<\/a><\/u><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinancial exploitation doesn\u2019t just rob seniors of their savings \u2014 it robs them of their security, independence, and dignity,\u201d said Sen. Kevin Hertel<\/b> (D-St. Clair Shores). \u201cToo often, bad actors take advantage of vulnerable adults and leave their families without justice. Protecting our seniors means standing up for them at every stage, and this legislation would ensure that even after a victim has passed, those who commit these heinous crimes will still be held accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n

To address this growing problem, this package will help the state and local governments better prevent, detect, and prosecute all forms of elder abuse. More specifically, this legislation would:\u00a0<\/div>\n

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