Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-9.2-1. Legislative findings

(1) The proportion of Rhode Island's population that is sixty (60) years or older will dramatically increase in the next thirty (30) years.

(2) Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation have no boundaries, and cross all racial, socio-economic, gender and geographic lines.

(3) The federal government or congress has been slow to enact legislation to respond to the needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation or to undertake prevention efforts.

(4) All citizens of Rhode Island should be protected from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

(5) That the public will benefit from a coordinated, multi-agency effort to ensure that the policy goals and laws established to protect Rhode Island's seniors from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are achieved and enforced.

(6) In order to protect the public safety, health and welfare of Rhode Island's elder population, the general assembly finds it necessary to establish and fund an elder justice prosecution unit within the department of attorney general.