MEYERTON – The police in Meyerton, together with various stakeholders, carried out a Social-Crime Prevention event for elderly citizens of Ward 8 in Sicelo.
During the event, gender-based violence (GBV) brigades sensitised the elderly about issues surrounding GBV and femicide, highlighting that they are a part of vulnerable groups.
Police spokesperson Constable Nompumelelo Zazini says, “The elderly were informed that if they are abused or harassed by anyone, they must immediately alert the police.
“Elderly people can also file protection orders in cases where they experience mistreatment from their family members.”
Zazini said the financial abuse inflicted on elderly people by their grandchildren, where their grants are taken without their approval, will not be tolerated.
The elderly were encouraged to report child neglect in instances where their kids forced them to look after grandchildren while their parents went out to drink, leaving children unattended.
The Vereeniging Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit was also part of the campaign.
“Senior citizens were educated about different forms of abuse, including sexual abuse, financial abuse, and physical abuse.”
Following the event, Meyerton SAPS says it will continue in its efforts to protect vulnerable groups and prioritise the senior citizens of this country.
