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What does it mean to protect the vulnerable?

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of abuse annually, though this is believed to be an underestimation due to underreporting. This statistic starkly illustrates the profound importance of addressing the question: **What does it mean to protect the vulnerable?** This concept transcends simple safety measures, encompassing a comprehensive ethical and practical responsibility shared by society as a whole.