Gauteng marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with call to protect older persons
The Gauteng Department of Social Development has urged communities to protect older persons from abuse, neglect and exploitation, warning that many cases go unreported as the province marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The department on Monday, June 15, joined the global community in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), highlighting the need to protect older persons from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The department said the annual observance aims to raise awareness about the mistreatment of older persons and encourage communities to uphold their rights, dignity and wellbeing.
It provides a range of services to support older persons, including active ageing programmes, community-based care and support services, residential care facilities, awareness campaigns and social work interventions.
According to the department, these initiatives are intended to promote the wellbeing, safety and social inclusion of older persons.
“Older persons are the custodians of our history, values and wisdom. They have played an important role in building our communities and supporting families. We cannot allow them to live in fear of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Every older person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued,” said Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
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She urged families and communities to report cases of abuse and ensure that older persons are treated with dignity and respect.
“Many cases of elder abuse occur behind closed doors and often go unreported. We urge communities to be vigilant and to report any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation of older persons.
“Protecting older persons is not only a government responsibility; it is a responsibility that belongs to all of us,” she said.
Members of the public can report cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation involving older persons to the Department of Social Development’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV), send a Please Call Me to 1207867#, or contact their nearest social work office or the South African Police Service.
