A human chain marking the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was formed here near the Tamil Annai statue at Tamukkam Ground on Tuesday. P. C. Thenmozhi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, took part in the human chain and addressed the gathering.
The International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse explains that elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” This definition was accepted and adopted by World Health Organisation.
Every year, June 15 is observed as ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.' Most of the disadvantaged older people experienced some form of abuse in their everyday life and hence this attempt was a call for a change in every level of the society, said C. Radhakrishnan, Manager Resource Mobilisation, HelpAge India.
The event, organised by HelpAge India, saw more than 200 school students and college students form a human chain. Students were also involved in distributing pamphlets and leaflets carrying information about the need to prevent abuse of elders.
Various forms like physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse could be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
The members who took part in the human chain were administered an 11-point pledge which enlisted the conditions and measures to be adopted to prevent abuse of elders.
