the goan I network
PANAJI
On the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to be held on June 15, the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has called for the preparation of an action plan to tackle abuse of senior citizens in Goa.
In a letter to Venancio Furtado, Director of Social Welfare, GOACAN pointed out that an action plan is needed, keeping in mind
that the population of senior citizens in Goa is on the rise. There are more senior citizens who are living alone, thus more cases of abuse of elders being reported now in Goa. GOACAN has also pointed out that the Goa Rules 2009 of the Maintenance and
Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 provide the necessary framework for preparing such an action plan.
In the letter, co-ordinator of GOACAN Roland Martins has recommended that the Directorate of Social
Welfare undertake a study of the number of senior citizens presently living alone in Goa and the challenges
they face that could make them vulnerable to abuse.
