Abuse of Senior Citizens

Elderly Abuse Awareness day

Countless numbers of elderly people in our communities are being abused in their own homes. Most often the victims are closely related to the abuser. It could be an immediate family member; maybe a child, grandchild, or a carer who is trusted by the rest of the family.

There are different kinds of abuse these elderly people fall victim to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Psychological abuse
  • Emotional  abuse
  • Verbal abuse
  • Financial abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect
  • Violation of human rights

The issue of child abuse and the measures that should be taken to protect children has become widely publicised in recent times, and rightly so.  However, the abuse of elderly people remains a more hidden issue.

Researchers have found that elderly people often do not report abuse.  This is because many of them are too scared or embarrassed to report its presence, or are physically and mentally unable to do so.  Often carers of the elderly do not take action because they cannot identify abuse or are ignorant of the reporting procedure. The lack of reporting results in difficulties in understanding the degree of the problem, and shaping potential solutions.

The Western Cape Provincial Department of Social Development has introduced a new service to fight against elderly abuse. This service explains how to take action and save our senior citizens by stopping or preventing their abuse.

 Steps to follow to report abuse of senior citizens

  • Report the abuse or suspected abuse to the Chief Social Worker at the Social Development office or police station nearest to where you live. You can call the nearest district office of the Provincial Department of Social Development. You could also contact any registered social worker working at any welfare organisation.
  • Alternatively, report the abuse anonymously to HEAL (Halt Elder Abuse line), an organisation co-funded by the Provincial Department of Social Development.  Contact HEAL on:

1.Telephone toll free on 0800 003 081. (This number is available  weekdays between 08h30 and 16h30.)
2.Alternatively, visit them at 36 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001.
3.Postal address PO Box 2335, Cape Town 8000.

Every year elderly people are campaign against abuse world wide. The aims of this day are to:

  • raise public awareness of elder abuse, i.e. what it is andwhere advice and assistance are available;
  • make the public more aware of the elderly in their communities
  • recognize elder abuse and take decisive action against it (INPEA,   2007).

Special Days for Senior Citizens 2008

International Family Day: 15 May
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 15 June
Week of the Older Persons in SA:  29 September to 5 October
International Day for Older Persons:  1 October
Grandparents Day in SA:  5 October
World Aids Day: 1 December

For more information on services to the elderly, click on the following links:

For service centres for elderly people, click on the following link.

Read more about rights education for older people, click below.

For more pictures on Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2007. Click  on inpea.net