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Aged
go on the offensive for protection By
Jonathan McCambridge, The
Older people from
across Hundreds of people
were set to take to the streets for Help the Aged's Community Safety Rally
where they were told that society would "not stand idly by while they
are attacked in their homes". Anne O'Reilly, the
charity's "These
ongoing attacks are nothing short of physical abuse on a section of our
community least able to defend itself. . We expect the appropriate
authorities to fulfil their duty to older people in society." Ms O'Reilly
pointed out there had been a rise in violent crimes against older people
from 140 in 2001 to 204 in 2002. "Against the
backdrop of these figures, a range of measures are needed. "Today's
generation of older people has seen this community through some of its
most difficult days. "Therefore
our community needs to ensure that our older people are afforded their
basic human rights - the right to be safe, the right to feel safe." Help the Aged is
asking for full implementation and acceptance of Community Safety Strategy
as well as the establishment of Community Safety Partnerships in all
areas. Belfast Lord Mayor
Martin Morgan and North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds were also due to take part
in the rally. Mr Dodds said:
"Hardly a week seems to go by without reports of some horrific attack
on a 70, 80 or 90-year-old somewhere in the province. "Too many
older people live in the fear of becoming the next victim. An older
people's rights commissioner working in partnership with the Police could
develop a comprehensive community safety strategy aimed at ensuring that
older people can feel safe in their own homes."
Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging |