SOUTH AFRICA: Finally the elderly take a stand against abuse

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Bush Radio Newsroom), July 4, 2008: By Cindy Witten At a meeting that took place at to Phakama secondary school in lower cross roads on July 3, the aged were advised to report any violence they may have experienced. Numerous reports were filed at various police stations about violence towards the elderly in the community. Field response unit co-ordinater Winnie Dywili, at the Halt Elder Abuse (HEAL) organisation regularly goes around the Nyanga community and surrounding areas and gives awareness talks on elder abuse. According to Dywili, abuse is very prevalent in the Townships. “The people report sexual abuse, financial, emotional, verbally, all those kinds of abuse”. Dywili urges the seniors to call a toll free number to report any form of abuse. Source: bushradionews.blogspot.com