It is heart breaking when we hear that elderly people are abused and neglected on a daily basis. It’s good to know what to look out for and what to do about it.
Who are the abusers?
In most cases elder abuse and neglect occur within a relationship of trust. The victim and the abuser are people who know each other well. Statistics from services worldwide show that the majority of abusers are members of the older person’s own family: sons, daughters, in laws, siblings, grandchildren or partners. Other abusers include people employed in positions of trust, such as residential facility staff or paid caregivers.
Definition
Elder abuse occurs when an aged person experiences harmful physical, psychological, sexual, material/financial or social effects caused by the behaviour of another person with whom they have a relationship implying trust. Elder neglect occurs as a result of another person failing to meet the physical and emotional needs of an older person.
Types of abuse and neglect
Several types of abuse can be present, sometimes at the same time. These include:
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- Physical, which is the infliction of physical pain, injury or force, for example being hit, slapped, or tied in a chair
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- Psychological/emotional, which is behaviour such as verbal abuse that causes mental anguish, stress and fear by calling names, blackmailing, playing mind games, etc
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- Sexual, which is sexually abusive and exploitative behaviours involving threats, force or the inability to give consent
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- Material/financial, which is illegal or improper exploitation and/or use of funds or other resources, for example taking money or possessions
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- Active neglect, that is conscious and intentional deprivation
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- Passive neglect, which is the result of the carer’s inadequate knowledge, infirmity or lack of trust in prescribed services.
Advice and help
If you are worried about your own situation, or that of an older person or relative, contact the elder abuse and neglect service (Halt Elderly Abuse Line: National 0800 003 081) to talk about the situation or suspected case of abuse and/or neglect. You may also contact the service for general enquires on the issue, including the availability of education and training sessions in your area.
Abuse can also be reported to the Department of Social Deveopment at its closest office or at the Social Development toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11. You should also report the abuse at your local police station is it is a violation of under the Domestic Violence Act.
Sources
Reporting abuse of older persons. Retrieved from https://ossafrica.com/esst/index.php?title=Reporting_abuse_of_older_persons
www.actiononelderabusesa.co.za
(Revised by M van Deventer)