Gwangju City Holds Event to Commemorate 'Elder Abuse Prevention Day'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 14th that it held the ‘6th Elder Abuse Prevention Day’ commemorative event at the Daedong Hall of the 5·18 Memorial Culture Center.

About 200 people attended this commemorative event, including Lee Dalju, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau, Shin Dongyi, Chairman of the Korean Senior Citizens Association Dong-gu Branch, Jo Hogwon, Director of Gwangju Metropolitan City Social Service Institute, contributors to the promotion of elderly human rights, and workers at elderly welfare facilities.

The event proceeded with cultural performances, awards for the Elderly Awareness Improvement Drawing Contest, commendations for contributors, and reports on Gwangju’s elderly protection policies and current status.

At the commendation ceremony, seven citizens and public officials who contributed to the promotion of elderly human rights received mayoral awards, and a total of nine children who won prizes in the Elderly Awareness Improvement Drawing Contest held by the Elder Protection Agency in commemoration of Elder Abuse Prevention Day received certificates.

Lee Dalju, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau, said, “I hope that Elder Abuse Prevention Day will raise social awareness about elder abuse and further lead to the eradication of elder abuse,” adding, “We will pay more attention and provide support so that Gwangju can become a safe city without elder abuse where seniors are healthy and happy.”

Meanwhile, according to the report on the status of the Elder Protection Agency, the number of elder abuse reports in Gwangju last year was 472 cases, an increase of 3.28% compared to 457 cases in 2020. Among these, the number of cases confirmed as abuse was 219, a decrease of 16.7% compared to 263 cases in 2020.

Since 2004, Gwangju has operated one Elder Protection Agency and one shelter for abused elderly victims to prevent elder abuse and reduce abuse cases. It provides counseling services, welfare services, legal services, medical services, protection services, and information provision services to abused elderly victims. In addition, it actively responds to elder abuse prevention by conducting more than 200 sessions annually of elderly human rights education and elder abuse prevention education.

Along with this, from the 7th to the 17th, the city is holding the ‘Elder Awareness Improvement Exhibition’ on the first floor Citizen’s Forest of City Hall, showcasing photos and drawings to improve awareness of the elderly. This exhibition features works by children from local community child centers on the theme of their perception of the elderly.