Under the World Day of Older Persons, the Government of the Azores promotes today a series of initiative in order to raise the awareness of the community for the importance of eradicating violence against elderly people as well as to promote active and quality ageing.

The initiatives, designated as "Traffic Stop - STOP Violence against Older Persons" are included in the 2nd Regional Plan for the Prevention and Combat to Domestic and Gender Violence, coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity.

Throughout the day, several actions will take place in the municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. They will be carried out by the Integrated Elderly Support Team of the Azores Social Security Institute in collaboration with the Public Security Police, the "Casa do Povo" of Capelas and other local entities.

An event will take place at Infante D. Henrique Avenue, Ponta Delgada, near the Maritime Authority building from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The initiative involves the participation of young people from Perkursos - Youth Development and Inclusion Centre and senior citizens from several institutions: "Casa do Povo" of Fajã de Baixo, Luís Soares de Sousa Home, Candelária Youth Association, Fenais da Luz Social and Cultural Centre, São Roque Social and Parish Centre "Casa do Povo" of Arrifes.

In turn, there will be another event taking place on El-Rei Dom Carlos Street, Ribeira Grande, near Teatro Ribeiragrandense from 10 to 11 AM. This action involved the participation of the elderly from "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Ribeira Grande and young people from Porto Seguro Youth Development and Inclusion Centre.

In the village of Rabo de Peixe, the elderly from "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Ribeira Grande and young people from Porto Seguro Youth Development and Inclusion Centre will also take part in an event to be held between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

Moreover, there will be another initiative, held from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, on Santana Street near Anexas School. It will involves the participation of the elderly from "Casa do Povo" of Capelas, Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Social and Parish Centre, "Casa do Povo" of Ginetes, "Casa do Povo" of Fenais da Luz, "Casa do Povo" of Santo António and young people from Perkursos - Youth Development and Inclusion Centre.