WORLD Elder Abuse Day is observed annually on 15 June to create awareness and ensure that elder abuse is reported and addressed.
Events are held to educate families and communities on the rights of older people and the importance of reporting instances where there has been a violation of such rights. In South Africa older people are protected by the provisions of the Older Persons Act 13/2006. This Act criminalises abuse and states that “any action or lack of action occurring in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person” would be deemed as abuse.
Older people continue to be a vulnerable group and in order to ensure their safety an integrated response by all stakeholders including the SAPS, the Department of Justice, Department of Social Development, NPOS, Faith Based Organisations etc is required.
According to the South African Human Rights Commissions which launched a report on the challenges facing older people in South Africa on 6 June, South Africa’s elderly are increasingly being mistreated‚ neglected and abandoned by family members and state officials who are primarily responsible for protecting them.
TAFTA has planned a programme of activities to raise awareness on this issue during the week starting on 15 June.
