‘Go Turquoise’ against elder abuse this June

THE Association for The Aged (Tafta) encourages citizens to join them in casting the spotlight on elder abuse by supporting the annual ‘Go Turquoise for The Elderly’ campaign.

Femada Shamam, the CEO of Tafta, said in a build-up to the United Nation’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, commemorated on June 15 every year, Tafta will raise awareness on the different types of abuse faced by elders, signs to look out for and ways to seek assistance and report abuse.

“This annual observation aims to educate individuals, organisations and communities on the neglect, exploitation and harm against elders which often goes unreported,” she said.

Shamam said elder abuse is often described as a silent epidemic, not just here in South Africa, but around the world.

“According to the World Health Organisation, one in six persons, 60 years and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. In a study by the University of Cape Town on Covid-19 and elder abuse in 2020, it was found that only 4% of the cases of elder abuse are reported to the authorities. The data suggests that elder abuse is prevalent and can often be fatal.

“As we approach World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we hope to create awareness by supporting the campaign, reinforcing the fact that elder abuse is a crime in South Africa and will not be tolerated,” she said.

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Shamam said Tafta encourages local communities, corporates and organisations to spend the next month ‘going turquoise’.

“This can be by adding the colour to your wardrobe, social pages and lifestyle. It is as simple as wearing a turquoise scarf or ribbon, posting a selfie and tagging Tafta. It costs nothing to raise awareness, but to a vulnerable elder too afraid to speak up, your support and encouragement is priceless,” she said.

Shamam said in an effort to address elder abuse, Tafta launched the national toll-free Elder Abuse Helpline in November last year.

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“Tafta’s helpline was launched in response to the closing of many institutions for elders in distress as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since its establishment, the helpline has reached provinces across South Africa, offering elders in deep rural areas access to assistance and referrals. You will help to stop the physical, sexual, emotional or financial exploitation of elders and protect them from further trauma, injury or financial difficulties.

“The service facilitates the reporting of elder abuse and provides older persons with an entry point into the therapeutic system. By simply calling the toll-free number any older person in the country will be able to receive free, confidential counselling and be referred to the relevant services closest to them,” she said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, call the helpline on 0800 10 11 10. The service is available Monday to Sunday from 07:00 to 17: 00 and is managed by trained counsellors experienced in cases of abuse.

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