Senior citizens need to be taken care of

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place each year on June 15.

It was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127, December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), which first established the commemoration in June 2006. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to abuse and suffering inflicted on the older generations.

Hennie Els, CEO of the Directorate Enforcing Older Persons Rights (DEOPR), stated the theme for WEAAD is ‘access to justice’.

“It serves as a reminder of the importance of fully addressing the needs of older persons who may seek recourse. DEOPR have intervened and taken over the safe care of the older person from Johannesburg Association for the Aged (JAFTA) and is now managed as DEOPR Caring Facility that can take care of 220 older persons,” he said.

Addressing elder abuse

Elder abuse can be defined as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person, explained Els.

“It is a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.

“In many parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. Until recently, this serious social problem was hidden from the public view and considered mostly a private matter. Even today, elder abuse continues to be a taboo, mostly underestimated and ignored by societies across the world. Evidence is accumulating, however, to indicate that elder abuse is an important public health and societal problem.

“Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is under-reported globally. Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries, ranging from 1% to 10%.

Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons.

“From a health and social perspective, unless both primary health care and social service sectors are well equipped to identify and deal with the problem, elder abuse will continue to be underdiagnosed and overlooked.

“The DEOPR has also started an investigation division that will investigate cases of reported abuse. They will obtain affidavits, register the case with SAPS and make representations to the National Prosecuting Authorities. This will ensure that victims get access to justice. The will, through DEOPR Caring Facility also give victim support to victims and families,” explained Els.