MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), in collaboration with the Mossel Bay Municipality, hosted an educational campaign for Mossel Bay's senior citizens at the D'Almeida Civic Centre on Monday 15 June.
World Elder Abuse Day is observed annually and aims to promote the wellness, safety and respect senior citizens around the world deserve.
Monday's campaign highlighted the rights of the elderly as a vulnerable community within Mossel Bay. The residents of multiple retirement communities and older persons' organisations in the area were among those in attendance, many dressed in purple to match the official colour scheme of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Some representatives of the DSD emphasised that abuse against the elderly can manifest in various ways and often occurs at the hands of family members. "Even if it's your son, your daughter, your grandchildren - you have a right to protection."
Some instances of elder abuse include neglect, financial abuse, physical abuse or exploitation.
Michelle Pickering, Joey Gelderbloem, Jude Kannemeyer and Beverley Jacobus of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
The Da Gamaskop Police Station's head of detectives, Lieutenant Colonel Maria Gerber, also spoke to the group about how to report instances of abuse and how the police will offer assistance, with additional support from the DSD.
Resources such as emergency telephone numbers were supplied by the Mossel Bay Elders Forum for each senior citizen to take home and keep should they need assistance in the future.
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