In a sobering revelation confirming that elder abuse is happening closer to home than many realise — with most cases going unreported, Durban-based non-profit organisation The Association for the Aged (Tafta) has found that one in six people over the age of 60 has experienced some form of abuse, including physical harm, financial exploitation, starvation, and emotional cruelty.
Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam, said: “Elder abuse is often described as the silent epidemic, not just here in South Africa, but around the world. Often, the abuser is a family member – a child or grandchild – upon whom the older person is completely dependent. Unfortunately, elder abuse is not always easy to identify. Older people bruise easily and may have cuts and bruises if they are unsteady on their feet and bump into things. Those affected by memory loss or the onset of Alzheimer’s may be confused about what happened to them.”
Croftdene resident Devika Naidoo (56) highlighted her concerns as a senior citizen.
“As an elder, I feel anxious and scared because many elderly people are being abused in my community and they are unable to come forward. They fear that they would not be believed and it truly breaks my heart,” she said.
Asothie Reddy, a 63-year-old pensioner said: “We feel angry about the abuse and as a community need to come together and help our friends who are being taken advantage of.”
Tafta has initiated awareness programmes in communities to educate and inform people about the signs of elder abuse and the services available to them.
Shamam added, “The Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 is an established law within South Africa which criminalises abuse against older people. The cases of elder abuse shared in recent news reports are becoming increasingly gruesome and are extremely disheartening.
As advocates for elder rights and protection, Tafta continues to create awareness around elder abuse and calls for justice on these heinous crimes. We appeal to the public to do the same and make use of the available resources for reporting, like Tafta’s National Toll-Free Helpline (0800 10 11 10) and local SAPS offices. Action against abuse can only be taken if suspected cases are reported, and if the full might of the law is exercised against the perpetrator.”
