Statement by Dominica Council On Ageing Inc. (DCOA) in observance of World Elder Abuse and Awareness Day (WEEAD)
This year on this day June 15, the Dominica Council On Ageing Inc. (DCOA), joins the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) and the Dominica National Council of Women (DNCW) in promoting the observance of World Elder Abuse and Awareness Day (WEEAD).
The observance of WEEAD in Dominica is in line with the global theme; “Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses,”
The three collaborating parties along with other interested entities seek the support of the public in promoting an awareness of the abuse of Older Persons/Elders in our society and what can be done to alleviate if not correct these atrocities.
On that day and beyond, through radio programs and exposé on various media platforms, the public will be engaged in dialogue on the subject matter as stated in this year’s theme.
The call is out to the powers that be, in both the private and public sector, to give due attention as it pertains to the Elderly on Gender-based violence, to reform policies and amend laws that could help mitigate elder abuse and make it easier to bring to justice those that commit acts against Older Persons.
“Abuse knows no age”, it can take many forms and has many faces, therefore to combat it, our communities and facilities therein, must be structured to combat abuse of the elderly; no longer must our elders be given the worse seat in a crowded bus, no longer must access to public places to transact obligatory businesses be placed at localities that are a deterrent to the aged, must institutions like the financial establishments disregard diminishing motor skills of our Older Persons in the modernization of their services, to name a few.
It must be borne in mind that many parties unknowingly perform abusive acts against our elderly; these being physical, psychological, social, and even in the spiritual realm.
Today it is opportune for us to cause the parties/authorities that be, to take stock and initiate actions to correct their wrongs and foster a culture of respect and care for our senior citizens.
“Every older adult deserves to live a life free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Together, we can create a world where elders are cherished, supported, and valued.”
Join us in raising awareness about elder abuse.”