Let's get loud! Startagers! - Raising Our Voice and Breaking the Silence on Elder Abuse

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Startagers, under the auspices of the Municipality of Elliniko – Argyroupoli and the Directorate of Social Cohesion, hosted the event:
“Let’s Get Loud! Startagers – Raising Our Voice and Breaking the Silence on Elder Abuse.”

With the active participation of the 4 KAPI (Senior Centers) of the municipality and a large audience, the event focused on empowering older adults, protecting their rights, and promoting their equal and active participation in society.

🎯 Our Objectives:

• To highlight and address the often hidden issue of elder abuse and domestic violence

• To inform the public about the different forms of abuse and available prevention mechanisms

• To promote intergenerational solidarity and cooperation
  
  

The presentations by experienced professionals revealed the true scope of the problem and emphasized the need for respectful, preventative solutions that protect the rights of older individuals. During the open discussion, participants shared tools, services, and good practices used to support and empower elderly victims of abuse. The exchange with the audience emphasized the need for collective awareness and coordinated response.

🗣️ Speakers:

📌 Dimitris Psychogios, Police Captain II, Domestic Violence Response Department, Directorate of Social Policing, Hellenic Police Headquarters

📌 Chara Karagiannaki – Michaloglou, Project Manager, Diotima Centre
Topic: “Gender-Based Violence in Women 65+: Giving Voice to Those Facing Double Vulnerability”

📌 Myrto Aravani, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, MSc in Forensic Psychiatry, PhD Candidate, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA)
Topic: “Elder Abuse: Psychosocial Dimensions”

📌 Chrysanthi Avloniti, Head of the Department of Social Policy and Gender Equality, Directorate of Social Cohesion

📌 Triada Kourtesa
Health Visitor, Directorate of Social Cohesion
Topic: “Social Services & Older Adults: Addressing Abuse and Domestic Violence”

🎤 Greetings & Remarks:

🗯️ Dr. Konstantinos Minopoulos, Deputy Mayor of Health and Social Services, Municipality of Elliniko – Argyroupoli

🗯️ Dimitra Katechaki, Deputy Police Director, Head of the Domestic Violence Response Department, Hellenic Police Headquarters

🗯️ Elina Alexiou, Deputy Mayor of Youth, Persons with Disabilities & Elderly Affairs, Municipality of Elliniko – Argyroupoli

🤝 We unite our efforts to build a safe and supportive environment for older adults.
💜 Together, we #BreakTheSilence

#LetsGetLoud #Startagers #ElderAbuseAwareness #Empowerment #ActiveAging #SocialInclusion #EllinikoArgyroupoli #CommunitySupport