Staff Reporter
Auckland, June 17, 2021
Auckland-based Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust commemorated Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 12, 2021 at a Senior Citizens meeting held at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall.
The event was attended by more than 200 men and women, including Puketapapa Chair Julie Fairey and Local Board Members Harry Doig and Members Bobby Shen and Ella Kumar.
The event started with the traditional items of Bhartiya Samaj meetings followed by a fitness session conducted by Ms Kumar.
Explanatory Video
Among the highlights of the event and a video, produced by the Samaj team, aimed at increasing awareness on various types of elder abuse, how to be self-reliant, the need to have their voice heard without fear, and seeking the support of Counsellors.
The video depicted the twin aspects of demonstrating the kind of abuses (physical, mental, emotional and financial) to which elders are victimised by their families, caretakers and the society; and the other depicting how elders are loved, respected and valued and additionally, how Bhartiya Samaj is serving them.
Advice to Elders
Samaj Chairman Jeet Suchdev and speakers highlighted the importance of Elder Abuse awareness and encouraged people to become more vocal in expressing any issues they might be facing or if they know someone who is a victim of abuse.
“Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust have been actively involved in resolving cases of family harm and elder abuse for many years, lending a supporting hand to the community and a platform where they can confidentially share their concerns. We urge elders to inform us, other local organisations and the Police when faced with abusive and harassment situations. They should not suffer in silence,” he said.
-With reporting by Ruchika Agarwal, Business Administration Manager, Business Administration Manager, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust. This story has been sponsored by
