Brazilian community walk spotlights elder‑abuse awareness

On Friday, 12 June, residents gathered for a walk that began at Praça Antenor Balbinot in front of the Municipal Social Assistance office and proceeded to the Centro de Convivência da Pessoa Idosa (CCPI) on Avenida Otávio Souza Cruz. The event, organized by the city’s Social Assistance Secretary Daniela Marsola Stel, aimed to raise awareness of violence against older people ahead of the global observance on 15 June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Participants enjoyed a breakfast, music, dance and bingo after the walk, while municipal officials, legislators and members of the Municipal Council for the Rights of the Elderly joined to emphasize the need for community vigilance and reporting of abuse.

Co‑ordinator of the CCPI, Silvana Bezerra Milan, highlighted the importance of addressing the subtle forms of elder abuse, noting that neglect, abandonment, physical and sexual violence remain widespread yet under‑reported. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to bring the United Nations‑recognized day into local action and to improve public‑health responses to elder mistreatment across Brazil.