Gwangju City to Hold 'Elder Abuse Prevention Day' Commemorative Event on June 13

Suwan Culture and Sports Center... Awards for Distinguished Contributors and Photo Exhibition
"Elderly Awareness Improvement Photo Exhibition" at City Hall and Senior Welfare Center

Photo material from the elderly awareness improvement photo exhibition. Provided by Gwangju City

On June 3, Gwangju City announced that it will hold a commemorative event for the 9th Elder Abuse Prevention Day at the Suwan Culture and Sports Center performance hall on June 13. Elder Abuse Prevention Day, observed annually on June 15, is a legally designated day to raise awareness and interest in elder abuse.

This year’s event is expected to be attended by around 300 people, including individuals recognized for their contributions to the promotion of elderly rights, employees of elder welfare facilities, and local senior citizens. The event will feature a cultural performance, a promotional campaign by local community organizations, an awards ceremony for distinguished contributors, and a declaration ceremony advocating for elderly rights. Various programs will be held to promote a positive perception of seniors and to prevent elder abuse.

During the awards ceremony, the mayor’s commendation will be presented to 10 citizens and public officials who have contributed to the promotion of elderly rights. In addition, a letter of appreciation from the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency Chief will be given to employees of elder welfare facilities who have worked to prevent elder abuse.

Since 2004, the city has operated a specialized elder protection agency, and since 2011, a shelter for elderly victims of abuse, in order to prevent elder abuse and minimize harm. A wide range of tailored services are provided to victims, including counseling, welfare, legal, medical, protection, and information support. The city also conducts more than 200 sessions of elderly rights and abuse prevention education annually.

In addition, the city will hold an "Elderly Awareness Improvement Photo Exhibition" at the Citizen Forest on the first floor of City Hall until June 11, and at the Gwangju Park Senior Welfare Center from June 18 to 30. The exhibition will feature various works on the theme of "improving perceptions of the elderly," including award-winning entries from a citizen contest.

Jung Younghwa, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau, stated, "We hope that Gwangju will become a safe and warm community through multifaceted efforts to spread a positive perception of seniors and prevent elder abuse," and added, "We will build a healthy city where all generations live together through comprehensive care."