A SURGE in reported cases of elder abuse across South Africa has prompted The Association for The Aged (Tafta) to roll out improvements to its national Elder Abuse Helpline, now rebranded as the Tafta Elder Abuse Line (TEAL).

Announced during the helpline’s third anniversary, the upgrades aim to make it easier for older people to safely report mistreatment. Since TEAL’s launch on November 23, 2022, the service has received 4293 calls and facilitated 1003 referrals to social workers, SAPS units, community service centres, and specialist care partners.

Tafta CEO Femada Shamam said the volume of calls answered by Tafta underscores the scale of a crisis. “Elder abuse remains one of the most under-reported violations in South Africa,” said Shamam. “Protecting older persons is a collective responsibility. Every call, every WhatsApp message, every report helps us safeguard someone’s dignity, safety, and well-being.”

The service’s revamped features include a dedicated WhatsApp line (072 459 2613), and a new email reporting channel which can be accessed via help@tafta.org.za.

Also Read: ‘Elder abuse is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal failure’ – Tafta

According to Carmel Murugen, Divisional Manager of Research, Strategy, and Development, financial exploitation, emotional or psychological abuse, and neglect are consistently the most reported categories. “These reports come from communities across South Africa, showing the widespread nature of elder abuse and the critical need for accessible support,” said Murugen.

Since its launch TEAL has reached all nine provinces, with the majority of reports coming from KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape. “We know many older people fear reporting abuse because they rely on the very individuals who may be harming them,” said Divisional Manager of Operations Yoshina Kistensamy.

She said many older people experience abuse at the hands of those they depend on. “By expanding access through WhatsApp and email, we are lowering barriers, enabling easier reporting, and ensuring elders are not left to suffer in silence,” added Kistensamy as she praised the initiative.

TEAL remains a free national service staffed by qualified social workers trained in crisis intervention and elder abuse response. In addition to confidential counselling, the platform offers advice on reporting abuse and direct referrals to appropriate services across all provinces. TEAL social workers can also be reached for free by calling 0800 10 11 10.

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