MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Abuse against the elderly has taken on such forms of magnitude that it has become necessary to hold an international World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) during June to educate and inform the public about the rights of the elderly.
In Mossel Bay WEEAD recently was celebrated with an interesting programme at Kenani Service Centre, where the hall was packed to capacity with valuable elderly jewels. All dressed up they were treated to interesting topics such as the rights of elderly that are protected by the Elderly Forum in Mossel Bay (chair lady Johanna Joshua); the laws that govern abuse against the elderly (Pieter Koekemoer SAPS and Johan Jacobs); how the victim of abuse can be healed by religion (Molefe Pooe) and what sources are available to assist victims (Marlize Kotze).
In Mossel Bay, the Elderly Forum creates a platform for the different old age homes, clubs, societies and retirement villages to discuss matters regarding their well-being and challenge. Their combined voice is heard on the Western Cape Forum that has a direct line to the national minister.
“Every person has the right to be treated with respect – be it in your own house, centre or resort. If you are the victim of abuse, speak up – you have the right to be treated fairly,” according to Johan Jacobs, previously from Kenani and now involved at Hartenbos. Pieter Koekemoer enlightened the audience on laws that govern abuse against the elderly. He spoke about the different forms of abuse that include health abuse and neglect (no food, clothes, medicine, medical attention), verbal abuse (swearing, humiliation “you are stupid” etc), physical (hitting, pushing around); financial (never disclose your PIN), sexual (rape) and intimidation.
“Speak up and tell someone what is happening. There are laws to govern the abuse, but if you remain silent, no one can help you,” he added. There is healing for abused people according to Molefe Pooe from the New Life Church in Heiderand. He emphasised that you need to restore your soul and give God your problems. God specialises in putting broken pieces together. You need to bring your problems to God. He cares. Then you need to start walking in forgiveness and in doing so you need to learn to forgive, to receive healing and to read your bible. “This is God’s medicine to heal you,” he said.
According to Marlize Kotze, there are a number of sources available to victims of abuse. In Mossel By the police, the ACVV, Child Care, Department of Social Welfare, hospital and CEF (Creating Effective Families) all offer assistance.
Sometimes the only thing visible is tears – make sure you do not miss the sign and that you do something to help this victim. Toll-free number to call: 0800 333 231.
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