Elderly abuse awareness event at Springs Community Care Centre

The Springs police, together with the Department of Social Development, held an elderly abuse awareness event at the Springs Care Community Centre on Friday.

The two organisations came together to warn the community about elder abuse.

Elder abuse is the neglect or mistreatment of an older person, who can’t or doesn’t have the means to fend for themselves.

This kind of mistreatment can take place in a private home or home for older persons.

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There are various forms of abuse and mistreatment, ranging from physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and financial exploitation.

Intentionally or unintentionally neglecting to care for an elderly person is also abuse.

The practice of taking and withholding a pensioner’s South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) card without their consent is illegal and should be reported to Halt Elder Abuse Line (HEAL), tollfree number 0800 00 30 81, or their local Sassa office or their nearest police station.

After the talks, community members were entertained by various members of the police force.

Speaking at the end of the day, John Keek, on behalf of the elderly, said, “Thank you so much for today.

“It was absolutely wonderful what you did for us and we really appreciate it.”