Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis was the keynote speaker for two important events in Charleston.

On June 15, Chief Justice Davis spoke at the Capitol on the first commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day is set aside nationally to focus attention on the life, well-being, and dignity of older adults.

On June 10, she spoke at the Elevations Professional Women’s Network meeting at the Erma Byrd Gallery at the University of Charleston. The meeting was part of the Charleston Area Alliance Professional Women's Council, whose mission is “to empower and elevate professional women to achieve success,” according to the Alliance website. Through bi-monthly luncheons and other initiatives, the group connects women with resources, contacts, and information that enhances their professional lives and strengthens the economy and community by advancing women's leadership and influence.

Chief Justice Davis told an audience at the Capitol that abuse and neglect of older persons is not well-recognized and can take many forms, including financial, physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual.
“I am proud that West Virginia is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with this event,” Chief Justice Davis said. “The event supports a United Nations International Plan of Action that recognizes elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.”

Elder Law generally is grouped into three areas: income and asset protection, autonomy, and health care, which includes safety. Supreme Court Administrative Office personnel have been meeting and collaborating with service providers and stakeholders to determine how to improve West Virginia law and court processes to address those issues.

Chief Justice Davis has made improving the way the court system meets the needs of senior citizens the main focus of this year, her fifth term as Chief Justice. The Supreme Court Administrative Office, the West Virginia Auditor’s Office, the state Department of Health and Human Resources, the state Bureau of Senior Services, the AARP Foundation, Legal Aid of West Virginia, and Kanawha Valley Senior Services together organized West Virginia’s commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Also at the event, Health and Human Resources Secretary Patsy Hardy read a proclamation from Governor Joe Manchin III declaring June 15, 2010, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the Mountain State.

Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants gave those in attendance tips on what to look for when someone might be exploiting an elderly person’s finances.

Chief Justice Davis said the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center identifies sexual abuse of elders as the most unrecognized, least reported type of domestic violence.

 “Elder abuse occurs most often in private residences. But it does occur in facility settings. Elders are harmed by well-intentioned, but stressed caregivers, by people with mental health or other conditions who can’t control aggressive impulses, and by people with abusive intent,” Chief Justice Davis said.

“Elder abuse has similar dynamics to domestic violence against more youthful victims. Abusers will lie, manipulate, be charming to law enforcement officers and others, and justify their behavior by blaming the victim. Caregiver stress is not an excuse for domestic violence or child abuse – so it should not be accepted as a justification for the crime of elder abuse either,” Chief Justice Davis said.