WATCH: GBV and abuse of the elderly in the spotlight
Breaking the silence and standing up for older persons rights in the face of GBV.
A GBV and older persons’ rights awareness talk was hosted at Annie Burger Retirement Village on November 25.
The campaign was endorsed by Ward 54 and its representatives as well as by various role players like the Directorate for Older Persons Rights (DEOPR), SAPS, ward councillors, Booysens Magistrate’s Court representatives as well as representatives from the Department of Justice.
Each role player offered advice on how their specific department can aid the elderly and women who are being abused or exploited.
Every representative explained what processes the residents should follow when they want to charge those who abuse them, such as their children, caregivers or other people close to them who might abuse them in some way.
Mr Hennie Els, the CEO of DEOPR, spoke to the residents about their rights as elderly people and that they shouldn’t hesitate to seek help.
@comaro.chronicle Mr Hennie Els, the CEO of DEOPR, spoke to the residents about their rights as elderly people and that they shouldn’t hesitate to seek help.
“The Older Persons Act outlines all types of abuse and it is not just physical abuse but economic abuse, where someone takes your grant from you or doesn’t allow you to look after yourself that is considered abuse. You have rights, never forget that, we at DEOPR can help you where we can so please contact us,” said Els.
Warrant Officer Tulile Motsephe of the SAPS explained the process of charging an individual for abuse against the elderly.
@comaro.chronicle Warrant Officer Tulile Motsephe of the SAPS explained the process of charging an individual for abuse against the elderly.
“When you want to get a protection order against a person abusing you, you must go to the victim empowerment centre at the police station to report this type of case,” said Motsephe.
Felicia Benny, Ward 54 branch chair, shared her experience dealing with abuse and how she overcame those circumstances.
@comaro.chronicle Felicia Benny, Ward 54 branch chair, shared her experience dealing with abuse and how she overcame those circumstances.
“I was a victim of GBV and through strength and courage, I took myself out of that situation. Now there is more support for those needing to do the same. Report abuse to the police, report it to DEOPR and also make sure you do everything in your power to remove yourself from an abusive situation,” said Felicia.
Michael Mawasani, a representative from the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, advised on how to go about the complete legal process of a protection order against an abuser.
@comaro.chronicle Michael Mawasani, a representative from the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, advised on how to go about the complete legal process of a protection order against an abuser.
“The Domestic Violence and Older Persons acts give guidelines on what constitutes abuse and that there are ways to deter such behaviour. Domestic violence usually refers to a family member or partner abusing someone. Once you have a protection order in place there will be a court appearance to decide how it should be enforced, the period and other things such as living arrangements. If a person’s life is in danger then please say so during this process as protection can be afforded to the person in danger,” said Mawasani
