Tafta urges communities to speak out against elder abuse

IN commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, held annually on 15 June, The Association for the Aged (Tafta), urges the public to take a stand and speak out against elder abuse.

This year’s theme “Access to Justice” serves as a reminder of the importance to fully address the needs of older persons who may seek recourse.

Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam encouraged the public to speak out against elder abuse, especially when vulnerable older people are subject to abuse by close family members.

“For too long now, we’ve seen older people in abuse situations silently endure all manners of abuse from family members. They either seek to protect these abusers from the wrath of the law, or fear consequences of reporting to authorities, such as the loss of care and family connection. As a society, we then need to step forward and speak on behalf of these elders who are as vulnerable as defenseless children in the hands of their perpetrators,” said Shamam.

ALSO READ: Child awareness day held at Malacca Road Informal Settlement

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is set aside by the United Nations globally to unite the world in its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on older generations.

According to the UN, it is estimated that one in six elders globally experiences some form of abuse in their every-day life, with most of these incidents going unreported.

“It is because elders who experience these violent situations, often face multiple barriers in accessing judicial systems as a result of boundaries of affordability, and backlogs in judicial processes, that many cases remain unreported. When we see any form of abuse take place, that we either intervene personally or contact authorities who will protect the victim from ongoing abuse,” said Shamam.

She stated that this year, the organisation had recognised even lower numbers of cases being reported as older people have been even further challenged to access justice systems as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We also realise that so many have experienced isolation, stress and depression. On the whole, family wellbeing – from caregivers to elders in isolation – have all been severely impacted. As a society we must take a step towards recovery, and this year we hope to focus on the little things we can be grateful for, that will contribute to rebuilding ourselves inch by inch.  We haven’t lost our ability to smile, the ability to be kind or to show that we care. We’re determined to prove through a campaign focusing on familial connections, and mental wellbeing, that an authentic state of happiness is possible, and can help fight depression and other maladies that lead to abuse,” said Shamam.

To help an older person or family in distress, Tafta urges members of the public to contact local authorities, or call Tafta on 031 332 3721 or email intake@tafta.org.za.  

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).  

You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 

For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram