Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust commemorated the World elder abuse and neglect awareness day at Mt Roskill war Memorial on June 13th. ‘Khushi’, a family fun day was organised to raise the awareness about the sensitive issue of elder abuse. This issue is a growing menace not only in New Zealand but all over the world and Shanti Niwas has been working on it in compliance with the NZ Police since 2012.
Attended by around 300 guests, the family fun day included a presentation on signs and cure for elder abuse, wonderful performances, entertainment, raffles and food. A large number of attemdees aged above 50, enjoyed every bit of the special day dedicated to them.
Dignitaries from the Parliament, NZ Police, other community organisations and volunteers were present at the event to make sure that elderly from the community get all the help and support they need to keep themselves safe from abuse and neglect.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Hon Sam Lotu Liga, National MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Dr Parmjeet parmar, Labour Party MP Phil Goff and NZ First MP Mahesh Bindra came out in support of the event and the cause.
Senior Srg. Rakesh Naidu from the police, Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy, and representatives of local boards were also present and assured the audience that they are available for their help anytime they need.
Mrs. Nilima Venkat, Project Manager of Khushi, says “Our goal is to recognize, prevent and respond to abuse and neglect of older people and ensure their wellbeing. “ Since the launch of Khushi in 2012 by then Minister of senior citizens Hon Jo Goddhew they have been able to reach out to a lot of troubled elderly and have worked with them and their families to help them resolve issues. The service is free and confidential and is provided by trained social workers and support staff. They work alongside the families, govt. and non-govt. agencies to provide best possible outcomes for our clients.
Preventing elder abuse means doing three things:
• Listening to seniors and their caregivers
• Intervening when you suspect elder abuse
• Educating others about how to recognize and report elder abuse
Elder abuse is a societal issue and therefore it requires us as a civic society to recognise it in all its forms, report and seek help.
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc, a non-profit organisation, has a long history of working with socially isolated senior citizens of Indian and South Asian origin living in the Auckland region for the past 21 years. Shanti Niwas Mission is to make visible signs of hope, empower those whom society has neglected and celebrate change & diversity.
If you want to seek help or report a case please contact Shanti Niwas. Phone 09-622101 or visit our centre at 14, Spring Street, Onehunga for more information.
