Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 12: Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which is observed worldwide on June15, for creating awareness about abuse and neglect of older persons, the Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens Jammu held an awareness programme, here today.
Participants of the programme resolved to approach the concerned authorities through the medium of media to initiate adequate measures so as to enhance the sensitivity of the self-respect of older persons and their right to live free of worry and fear.
The participants listed important goals, such as motivating stakeholders, including Government Departments viz. the Department of Education, Social Welfare, Department of Local Bodies, caregivers, and senior citizens to discuss how to combat elder abuse, increase reporting, and develop elder friendly policies.
“These Government Departments may be well advised to organise essay or debate competition/contests by encouraging students of local colleges/higher secondary schools on the themes concerning the topic. Moreover, the public, the press/media can run events which highlight the danger of elder abuse; what is needed to be done to prevent any act of elder abuse and what to do if it is spotted,” they said.
The Association members observed that they can all help prevent violence against older adults by listening to older adults to comprehend their challenges and provide support, educating about how to recognize and report abuse, learning how the signs of abuse differ from the normal aging process, calling in on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
The Association said that the problem of elder abuse is prevalent in developing as well as developed countries and therefore, a global multipronged response that focuses on protecting the rights of older persons is need of the hour.
While certain western countries have adopted various processes aimed to achieve the goals as envisaged under the UN Charter on the subject; our country, in particular the UT of Jammu and Kashmir seems to be slow in this behalf, they observed.
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