WHEREAS, there are nearly two million Virginians aged 60 or older, a number that will increase to 2.3 million in 2030; and 

WHEREAS, during fiscal year 2025, Virginia Adult Protective Services received nearly 50,000 reports of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation, an eight percent increase from the previous year; and 

WHEREAS, older individuals and individuals with disabilities may be targets for abuse, which can occur in families and communities of all social, economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds; and  

WHEREAS, several programs provide vital services to aging citizens and citizens with disabilities, including a 24- hour Adult Protective Services hotline, online reporting portal, crisis intervention, emergency shelters, home-based and community services, public education, and legal services; and 

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, home to the State Adult Protective Services Division, works collaboratively with state and local partners across the Commonwealth to help older Virginians and Virginians with disabilities live free of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026 as ADULT ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.