Citation

Ferreira M. J. Elder Abuse Negl. 2004; 16(2): 17-32.

Affiliation

The Albert and Walter Sisulu Institute of Ageing in Africa, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J084v16n02_02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes the context in which elder abuse occurs in Africa and the types of abuse that are manifested; proffers explanations for the abuse; offers a human rights approach to understanding and responding to the abuse; reviews policies on aging and legislation to protect older persons' rights; and considers strategies to prevent the abuse. The types of abuse are shown to be more violent than those prevalent in Western countries. The inefficiency or inadequacy of present systems to protect older persons against violence and abuse is highlighted.