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Aged go on the offensive for protection

By Jonathan McCambridge, The Belfast Telegraph

October 1, 2003  

Older people from across Northern Ireland today demanded Government action to protect them against violent attacks.

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 Northern Ireland director, told the rally: "The numbers we see before us today, United Nations International Day for Older Persons, tell us that something needs to be done to address this growing problem.

"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."

 

 

 

 


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