Various ways of getting help
According to the Older Persons’ Act no.13 of 2006, every
person who knows or suspects that an older person is being abused must
report it. Failure to do so is an offence.
Many older persons who are in abusive situations are not able to bring
their plight to the attention of those in a position to help them.
Taking the time to make a phone call on behalf of an older person may
only take an enormous difference to their quality of life.
Do you know an older person that is being abused? Or do you suspect
that an older person is being abused? Report this immediately
by:
- Call the nearest Police Station to report the incidence immediately
- Contact HEAL (Halt Elder Abuse Line)
- Get Legal Help
Call the nearest Police Station to report the
incidence immediately
In emergency call: 10111 / 08600 10 111
The police may also be able to provide information on other community
resources.http://www.saps.gov.za/
Contact HEAL:
To get help from HEAL, for yourself or for a loved one, please
see the steps that are taken to help you. Dial this toll-free number
and get assistance.
Halt Elder Abuse Line: 0800 00 30 81 –
Toll-free and confidential!
- Call the number and speak to one of the available counselors. Amongst them, the counsellors can speak the majority of South Africa’s languages.
- Trained counsellors take the call, counselling on line if appropriate.
- Details of the abuse are noted and prioritised, and emergency help sourced immediately. Where intervention is necessary, the case is referred to the HEAL Response Unit (HRU) or an organization working with older persons nearest to the area in which the victim lives.
- Trained volunteers from the HRU visit the victim of abuse to assess the situation and render assistance that is within the scope of their expertise. The safety of the victim, the volunteer and/or staff member is always borne in mind.
- If further intervention is necessary, such as legal assistance or social work, the case is referred to the relevant person / organization / department.
- Reports on the progress of the case are sent back to the counsellors, within certain timeframes, who, if satisfied that as much assistance as possible has been given to the older person, close the case. If not, the case is referred again for further intervention.
- Older persons who are mentally competent, have the right to decide whether they would like action taken or not.
- HEAL respects this right, and will not proceed without the victim being informed of the action plan and his/her approval. Contacting your nearest Department of Social Development
For more information go to Department of Social Development website: http://www.dsd.gov.za/