This week was no ordinary week for older persons in Zamdela, Sasolburg, as they gathered together at the Mmokeng wa Maqheku centre in Harry Gwala section to commemorate the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Their gathering was on Wednesday on the eve of WEAAD, which is on the 15th June.
The day of 15th June is known as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, or WEAAD. It is an annual initiative launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization. In its 66/127 resolution, the United Nations General Assembly designated that date as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day in which the entire world voices its opposition to any form of abuse of the older generation.
At Mmokeng wa Maqheku the elderly people were addressed by a Social Worker Mamiki Nkalai about various issues affecting them and their rights. The theme for 2023 is “Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age – Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses.” The theme underscores the intersection of gender-based violence and elder abuse, specifically focusing on the experiences of older individuals.
Nkalai said it is important to commemorate this day. She said the abuse of the elderly is wide-ranging and includes, physical, sexual, emotional as well as financial abuse.
“I am encouraging you to make sure you are safe when left alone at home, by closing and locking the door, or go to elderly centre near your home if there is any. The other most important issue is for you the elders to speak up when being abuse, most of our elders don’t speak about the abuse they are faced with, some are being physically abuse by their children and grandchildren and they don’t report such cases to the social workers,” advised Nkalai.
She said elders are also being abused emotionally and this is one of the painful abuse to them. It happens at home by family members and in the centres by the same elders.
“Financial abuse is also common problem to many elders, many don’t even have their social grants with them as we speak, they are somewhere with their children or grandchildren. You must know and differentiate between being loved by any family member and being abused.
“Our elders must know they can go on their own on social grants payday to withdraw their own money. They must report any form of abuse directed to them without any fear as they will be protected and assisted in such incidences,” said Nkalai.
In Zamdela Sasolburg elders can approach Social Welfare offices at No. 7 Riemland street, or Lydiah Mokgadi and Pastor Ben Msimanga of Mmokeng wa Maqheku. Elders can also report their grievances with the Elders Forum in Zamdela
WEAAD aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse older people suffer by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting them. Elder abuse is one of the least investigated types of violence and does not get addressed in national action plans as frequently as other key social issues.
The UN International Plan of Action described elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Globally we have an aging population, with the number of older people in the world expected to be 1.4 billion by 2030. Research suggests that 4 to 6 percent of the elderly suffer from some kind of abuse, most of which go unreported. This day is to make sure we remain focused on our elders, ensuring they lead a life of high quality and dignity.
