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Description
This service explains
how to take action and start a process of rescue by stopping or
preventing the abuse of older people. There are different kinds of
abuse that older people fall victim to. These are:
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Physical abuse: Any act that results in injury or death of an older
person through physical means. For example, slapping, hitting,
pushing, rough handling, cutting, use of chemical or physical
restraints, administering incorrect or excessive medication or any
act that causes injury, physical discomfort, over-sedation or
death.
- Sexual
abuse: Any act that results in the exploitation of an older person
for the purposes of sexual or erotic gratification without their
full knowledge, understanding and consent.
-
Psychological, emotional and verbal abuse: A pattern of degrading
or humiliating conduct (verbal or non-verbal) towards an older
person, which results in impaired psychological or emotional
functioning. For example, rejection, isolation or oppression,
deprivation of affection and cognitive stimulation, name-calling or
ridicule, accusations and expectations.
-
Financial or economic abuse or exploitation: The illegal or
fraudulent use of older persons’ grants, property, valuables,
assets or money, without their consent or full understanding or
knowledge of the consequences, or under duress.
-
Neglect: Not providing or withholding care and basic necessities
required for physical and mental well-being. For example, lack of
food, warmth, shelter, clothing, medication, emotional support,
stimulation and self-neglect.
-
Violation of human rights (system abuse): The denial of fundamental
rights such as respect, dignity, personal privacy, freedom of
thought, belief, opinion, speech, expression and movement of older
people. For example, witchcraft (especially older women displaying
characteristics associated with ageing and perceived as
participating in witchcraft), which may result in stigmatisation,
exclusion, physical harm and death.
Who can report
abuse?
Anyone who recognises
neglect, exploitation or ill treatment, or has good reason to
suspect that it is occurring or has occurred.
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Steps to follow
- Report
the abuse or suspected abuse to the Chief Social Worker at the
Social Development office or police station nearest to where you
live.
-
Alternatively, report the abuse anonymously to HEAL (Halt Elder
Abuse line) at 0800 003 081.
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Legal framework
(Documents are provided in PDF
format. To open PDF documents, you need to have
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on
your computer.)
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Service standard
- Within
48 hours after reporting, the social worker will investigate the
incident and write a report.
- If the
notifying person is a social worker who would normally deal with
the matter, they should continue with the investigation and give a
full written report to the Social Development office within 4
weeks.
- If the
notifying person is not a social worker, it is the responsibility
of the Chief Social Worker of the Social Development office to
refer the matter appropriately and to expect a report within 4
weeks.
- If the
abuse involves a Home for the Aged, a facility, a non-government
organisation or a community-based organisation, the social worker
at the decentralised office must deal with the matter.
- If the
abused person does not want to be removed, they should sign an
affidavit indicating that the consequences of non-removal have been
clearly explained to them.
- If none
of the above applies, establish the wish of the person. The
Minister of Social Development or Member of Executive Council (MEC)
must subsequently appoint someone to intervene.
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Cost
The service is free.
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Forms to complete
Forms are available at your nearest Social Development Office.
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Contact details
Halt Elder Abuse Line (HEAL) - 0800 003 081
Social Development Toll-free Helpline - 0800 60 10 11 |
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