Types of Abuse
Physical abuse is the use of physical force that might result in bodily injury, pain or impairment. It may include, but is not limited to, hitting, slapping, punching, beating, shaking, pushing, kicking, pinching, burning and force-feeding. The inappropriate use of restraints (physical or chemical (over medication)) is also considered to be physical abuse.
Financial abuse or exploitation is the illegal or unauthorised use of an older person’s property, money or valuables including the misuse of an older person’s social grant.
Sexual abuse is forcing an older person to take part in any sexual activity without his/her consent and includes sexual harassment.
Psychological / Emotional abuse is the infliction of distress or anxiety through verbal or non-verbal acts. It includes, but is not limited to, verbal threats, assaults, insults, humiliation, embarrassment, intimidation and ignoring (isolating) or giving an older person the “silent treatment”. It includes isolating an older person from family or friends, church or community, and treating or speaking to an older person as a child.
Neglect – active, passive and self-neglect: Active neglect is wilfully refusing to fulfil one’s duties or obligations to an older person, including fiduciary obligations. It means depriving an older person of essentials such as shelter, food, water, warmth, essential medical treatment or medication, care or clothing, either by intent (active) or through ignorance (passive).
Self-neglect is the behaviour of an older person that threatens his/her own health or safety. It excludes the right of a mentally competent older person who fully understands the consequences of his/her decision e.g. to refuse medical treatment.
Witchcraft occurs mainly in the more rural provinces of South Africa. Women, especially black women, living alone who are particularly dark skinned and wrinkled, are accused of being witches. This is usually prompted by disasters in the area, e.g. storm or lightning damage, crop failures. The victims are in danger of suffering physical harm and / or having their homes (huts) burnt down.
Violation of Human Rights is the denial of fundamental rights e.g. dignity, freedom of speech, religion, thought, expression, or cruel and degrading treatment.
Systemic abuse is denying older persons the right to be treated with respect and dignity when accessing services, both those belonging to state or the private sector.