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By Nthabiseng Mapota  
In commemoration of World Elder Abuse Day, the Social Work Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital hosted a two months long campaign to create awareness on Elder abuse and ways to support senior citizens who are suffering from different types of abuse.
Under the theme, Access to Justice, the day which is celebrated annually on 15 June serves as a reminder of the importance to fully address the needs of older persons who may seek recourse. 
Throughout the month of June and July, Social workers at the hospital educated staff at the hospital and patients on the human rights of senior citizens who live in our different communities.
A social worker at the hospital, Ms Fikile Madela who was part of the campaign said that elder abuse is a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.
"Elder abuse is not just a problem in South Africa, it is a global issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of our communities. Elder abuse comes in many forms including physical; emotional; sexual; financial; material; abandonment and also neglect. 
Madela also added that the elderly people are human and deserve the same dignity and respect as people of all other age groups and are particularly vulnerable to abuse as they in most instances unable to defend themselves.
"We ran a couple of activities and events aiming at educating the communities about the importance of taking care of elders in our families and communities.  We also distributed flyers around the hospital giving more information about World Elder Abuse;
"We also highlighted the danger of elder abuse and what can be done to prevent it and how to report it.  According to older persons Act No. 13 of 2006., older persons need our love, care, support, and protection. They also have to be included in decision making," concluded, Madela.