World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025:

“When Silence Hurts: Confronting the Hidden Crisis of Elder Abuse in South Africa”.

“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Mahatma Gandhi

South Africa prides itself on ubuntu, the philosophy of interconnectedness, shared humanity, deep respect for others, compassion, and dignity. This ethos challenges us to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Yet, behind closed doors, too many elders who built our nation now suffer in silence, unseen and unheard.

On June 15th, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day calls us to confront this crisis and defend the dignity of our elders.

The Hidden Crisis

“Elder abuse is the most invisible form of human rights violation.” — World Health Organization

Elder abuse in South Africa is a silent epidemic:

1 in 10 older adults is affected—many more go unreported.
Over 60% of elders in low-income communities report financial abuse.
Neglect is the most common form, especially in overcrowded, under-resourced homes.
Abusers are often family, misusing grants or withholding care.

Abuse not always bruises or broken bones. It is often a quiet room, an empty plate, and no one who cares.

The Many Faces of Abuse:

Physical: Hitting, restraining, or rough handling.
Emotional: Humiliation, threats, isolation.
Sexual: Any non-consensual act, often unreported.
Financial: Misusing pensions, bank accounts, or property.
Neglect: Failing to provide food, hygiene, or companionship.

“Abuse doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it’s a quiet room, an empty plate, and no one who cares.”

Why Don’t Elders Report Abuse?

Fear of retaliation—especially from family or caregivers.
Emotional dependency—many would rather suffer than be abandoned.
Shame and stigma—cultural taboos keep issues hidden.
Cognitive impairment—dementia can silence victims.
Systemic failure—authorities often deprioritize elder abuse.

“When someone is too afraid to cry for help, we must become their voice.”

Why It Matters

“A society that does not value its old people denies its roots and endangers its future.”— Nelson Mandela

When abuse goes unchallenged, we betray a generation. Their suffering is our collective failure.

Elder Abuse: A Human Rights Violation

Elder abuse is not just a social issue—it is a violation of fundamental human rights:

The South African Constitution guarantees the right to dignity, equality, and freedom from abuse.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16) call for peace, justice, and strong institutions—protecting the vulnerable, including our elders.
When we fail to act, we fail to uphold our own legal and moral standards.

Institutional Abuse

Abuse in care homes and clinics is especially insidious:

Neglect, overmedication, and verbal abuse are reported.
Lack of regulation and oversight enables mistreatment.
Staff and residents fear retaliation for speaking out.

We must demand stronger enforcement and legal protection for our elders.

Our Shared Duty

“We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we do not do.”
— Molière

Protecting elders is a shared duty—a reflection of our society’s soul.

What You Can Do: From Bystander to Ally

Let’s break the silence. Let’s do something:

Speak up: If you suspect abuse, report it. Silence protects the abuser.
Check in: Visit elderly relatives and neighbours. Isolation fuels vulnerability.
Educate: Share this message. Start conversations at home and in your community.
Volunteer: Support local NGOs or community health projects.
Advocate: Demand stricter policies and oversight.

A Message to Our Medical and Dental Community

“You are often the only outside voice elders hear. Look beyond the symptoms—look for signs of fear, neglect, malnutrition, or bruising. Your vigilance can save a life.”

As SAMDP, we urge all doctors and dentists:

Be alert and ask the hard questions.
Document and report suspected abuse.
Advocate for elder-specific protections.
Educate your teams and communities.

Where to Get Help

Department of Social Development Elder Abuse Hotline: 0800 60 10 11
Childline SA: 0800 055 555
SASSA Fraud Hotline: 0800 60 10 11
Age-in-Action: 021 426 4249 | www.age-in-action.co.za

Final Reflection & Call to Action

“How people treat the elderly shows how they will be treated when they are old.”
— African Proverb

Elder abuse is not someone else’s problem. It is all of ours. If we allow this to continue in silence, we are building a future where no one will be safe in their old age.