Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust celebrated ‘Khushi’, a family fun day to commemorate “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” on Saturday, June 10, at the Fickling Centre in Three Kings.
The ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’ is an annual event celebrated globally on 15 June to focus on the much-needed spotlight on preventing and spreading the awareness on the issue of elder abuse and strive to create an age positive society.
The programme raised awareness on a crucial and sensitive issue of elder abuse which is a growing menace globally.
“Older people are entitled to feel safe and live a life free of fear. They have the right to dignity, respect, security, and also to support when it is required,” Nilima Venkat, manager of Shanti Niwas said.
“The message of ‘it’s not ok’ to tolerate elder abuse in any form was conveyed to the audience at the event,” she added.
‘Khushi’ Shanti Niwas’ elder abuse and neglect prevention service undertake the challenge to investigate and address this sensitive issue in the Indian and South Asian communities in Auckland. Khushi’s aims to recognise prevent and respond to abuse and neglect of older people and ensure their wellbeing.
The event was successful with more than 300 people including seniors, their families, community leaders and others present the venue. Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion included National List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Labour MP for Mt Roskill Michael Wood, NZ First MP Mahesh Bindra, Priyanca Radhakrishnan from the Labour Party and Roshan Nauhria from NZ Peoples Party, Police Personnel from NZ Police, etc.
Nilima Venkat, MNZM, Manager of Shanti Niwas urged all to come forward to stop this menace that happens behind closed doors.
“The aim of Shanti Niwas is to help build a society free of abuse. World Elder Abuse and Neglect Awareness Day give us the chance to say. Clearly, abuse has no place in our homes, our workplaces, our communities, or in our world,” Ms Nilima Venkat added.
“Our other services of Shanti Niwas include KHUSHI– Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, SNEH – Shanti Niwas Emergency Home for the seniors, DOSTI – Volunteer Visiting services.”