Elder Abuse

If an older person is in danger right now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If they are hurt or unwell, call an ambulance on 10177.

It is painful to think that someone might be hurting an older person you love, or that it is happening to you. Many older people stay quiet because they depend on the person, or feel ashamed. Nobody deserves to be treated this way at any age.

What is happening

Elder abuse is harm to an older person by someone they should be able to trust. It can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse, or neglect. It happens in homes, in care facilities and in families where the older person's pension supports many people.

Financial abuse is very common: taking the grant card, forcing the person to sign papers, or selling their things. Neglect means not giving food, medicine, hygiene or care they need.

South Africa's Older Persons Act protects people aged 60 and over. Abuse should be reported to a social worker at the Department of Social Development or to the police, who must act. An older person can also apply for a protection order under the Domestic Violence Act if the abuser is a family member or someone they live with.

Signs to notice

• Unexplained bruises, burns or injuries
• Being hungry, dirty, or without medicine or glasses
• Grant or pension money going missing, or someone else holding the card
• Seeming scared, quiet or anxious around a certain person
• Being kept away from visitors, the clinic or church
• Sudden changes to a will, title deed or bank account

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111.

• Is the older person in danger or injured right now?
• Is someone taking their money, grant or belongings?
• Are they left without food, medicine or basic care?
• Do they seem afraid of someone at home or in the facility?
• Are they being kept away from other people?
• Has someone pressured them to sign papers?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now. Otherwise, visit often and keep an eye out.
2-3 yes: Something is not right. Talk to a social worker at your local Department of Social Development office this week.
4 or more yes: Please act today. Report to SAPS or a social worker. If there is danger, call 10111 now.

What you can do next

• Today: Visit or call the older person and speak to them alone. Ask gently, "Are you safe? Is anyone taking your money or hurting you?"
• This week: Report to a social worker or your local police station. If they live in a care facility, also report to the manager and ask for the complaint in writing.
• This month: Help them protect their money. They can go to SASSA or their bank to change who collects their grant and to block their card. Find other care options if needed.
• An older person who can make decisions has the right to choose, so involve them in every step.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - asks a few quick questions and shows the right urgent step, including when to call SAPS or an ambulance.

When to get professional help

Get help when you see signs of harm, neglect or money going missing. A social worker can assess the situation. A lawyer can help with property or financial abuse.
Who can help: emergency services (SAPS and ambulance), social workers, counsellors, Legal Aid South Africa, home-care services, doctors

Getting help in South Africa

• SAPS (10111): for danger or to open a case of assault, theft or fraud.
• Department of Social Development: social workers who investigate elder abuse and help with safe care.
• SASSA (sassa.gov.za): help if a grant is being taken or collected by the wrong person.
• Legal Aid South Africa (legal-aid.co.za): help with property, wills and protection orders.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): support for older people and worried families.