Latest news with #WorldElderAbuseDay
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Speak up for vulnerable seniors
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today shines a spotlight on the often-hidden suffering endured by older people. Elder abuse takes many forms – physical, financial, emotional, sexual, psychological and even neglect – and is often perpetrated by those in positions of trust. Ayanda Matthews, a GM at Rand Aid Association, says the day is a powerful reminder of society's duty to defend the dignity, safety and well-being of senior citizens. 'Each year, a large number of older persons are abused, neglected or exploited. Most of these cases go unreported,' says Matthews. 'June 15 is World Elder Abuse Day. Let us all get involved in our communities to help our older persons enjoy their lives with dignity and respect.' With retirement villages and care centres in and around Edenvale, Rand Aid is a long-standing advocate for the elderly. The NPO is proactively working to create safe and fulfilling environments through its new initiative, The Rand Aid Way. Officially launched earlier this year, the campaign promotes a culture of compassion, accountability and respect. 'By fostering strong relationships and empowering residents to be active community participants, The Rand Aid Way creates a culture where abuse is far less likely to go unnoticed or unchallenged,' says Matthews. Be mindful Paulina Namo, nursing services manager at Rand Aid's Thembalami Care Centre and a veteran in elder care, emphasises that abuse can sometimes be unintentional, arising from caregiver stress or a lack of understanding. 'Some people bribe elders for their pension or leave them alone for hours,' says Namo. 'They may not have bad intentions but simply don't know how to support their loved one.' In today's fast-paced world, elders are increasingly isolated as extended family living becomes rare. Respecting elders, Namo says, starts with small, mindful actions – listening, preserving their routines and honouring their cultural preferences. 'If you no longer have a grandparent, adopt one in your community,' she suggests. 'You don't need money to make a difference – just your time and respect.' Watch for these signs Warning signs of elder abuse include: Unexplained injuries, Poor hygiene, Weight loss, Withdrawal, or Frequent tension with caregivers. Matthews urges anyone who suspects abuse to act immediately. 'It is not your role to verify the abuse. Simply report it to your nearest Department of Health and Social Development office, or contact a social worker. If the situation is urgent, call the police or an ambulance. 'Not reporting elder abuse is a criminal offence,' she stresses. 'Do the right thing and speak up.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
West Australian
09-06-2025
- West Australian
Purple flowers spread awareness of elder abuse in hopes of reducing offending
Local knitters and crocheters have united for a project recognising World Elder Abuse Day, with the aim of spreading awareness to prevent further abuse. A wall hanging adorned with various purple flowers has been created by the community and will be displayed inside the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre during an event next Monday recognising World Elder Abuse Day. Hosted by the centre and handicraft group Dizzy Fingers, the event aims to spread awareness of the types of elder abuse that many often suffer silently through. Event co-ordinator Esther Roadnight said the offending could be extremely subtle, with many not noticing it was happening to them, and she hoped the event would make more people aware of it. 'People need to keep an eye on elders as well — if their demeanour has changed it might be because they're getting pressure, not necessarily from family, it can be friends or neighbours,' she said. 'It's often that subtle pressure and manipulation — not always physical abuse — or financial as well. 'And they act like they're doing it for you, helping you, and that it will make it easier for you. But in fact, it goes much deeper that the surface of what they say they are doing, and there's much more underneath. 'It can be very challenging for older people because they're not sure what they should do or who they should talk to.' Mrs Roadnight encouraged anyone who believed they might be a victim of elder abuse to speak up. The idea for the wall hanging came from the annual Purple Road initiative which collects various stretches of purple flower hangings to join on to one another, raising awareness of elder abuse. Mrs Roadnight thanked the community members who helped create the flowers for the local project. Anyone wishing to attend next Monday's event at 11.30am is encouraged to notify the EGCC for catering purposes. World Elder Abuse Day is June 15.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Onslow County to host event highlighting World Elder Abuse Day
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Onslow County Department of Social Services will hold an event to observe World Elder Abuse Day on June 26, 2025. The free event will take place at the Onslow County Government Center from 10am-2pm and will feature remarks from elected officials as well as a documentary screening with a question-and-answer opportunity. Jeffery Brown, Deputy Director of Social Services, says isolation that leads to financial exploitation is a big threat to the elder population alongside abuse and neglect. 'They often don't have family or friends or they're folks who are widowed recently and are just looking for some type of human contact,' Brown said. 'That's exactly what these financial criminals pray so if you know an elder person here in Onslow County, check in on them and go say hello.' N.C. Senator Michael Lazzara, District Attorney Ernie Lee, Sheriff Christopher Thomas, and Board of Commissioners Chairman Tim Foster are all expected to speak at this event. The Chowder Group, a documentary film company, will share some of their recent work and participate. This is a free event, and it will feature vendors, food, and informative discussions about elder abuse. For more information about this event, please call 910 989-3117. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
