Tuesday, June 12th, Chateau Des Amis residents, citizens and city officials gathered at Ville Platte City Hall for a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Program, put on by Chateau Des Amis.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, “Elder abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by 1 out of every 10 people, ages 60 and older, who live at home.”

Pine Prairie Baptist Church Pastor, Daniel Holsumback provided a powerful testimony on the cycle of abuse, and how to put an end to that cycle. Guests were treated to an A cappella performance by Carleen Bellard.

Chateau Des Amis Community Manager, Debbie Clark, along with the Ville Platte Boys & Girls Club, presented certificates of recognition to community leaders who have greatly helped the elderly in our community. Those recognized were:

Ville Platte City Marshall, Ronald Doucet.

Ville Platte City Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, who also accepted a certificate on behalf of Dianna Johnson and the Ville Platte Girls-Boys Place.

Mable Foreman with Ville Platte Home Health.

Lisa Derouen with Evangeline Council on Aging.

Clerk of Court, Randy Deshotel.

Pine Prairie Baptist Church Pastor, Daniel Holsumback.

Carleen Bellard with Evangeline Parish Community Action.

Mayor Vidrine reminds the public that elderly abuse is more than just physical abuse. No matter if it’s physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, abandonment, or financial abuse, Mayor Vidrine says, “We must take care of those who took care of us”.

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/elderabuse/index.html