Exploring risk and protective factors for elder abuse in South Africa

Abstract

Africa was considered a society that traditionally revered older people. However, research shows that elder abuse on the continent is a growing social and human rights problem. This study explored the nature of abuse experienced by older persons, the risk and protective factors for elder abuse and the gaps and strengths of services provided to older persons in peri-urban communities within Durban in KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town in the Western Cape, South Africa. A descriptive, interpretive qualitative study was implemented as it offered the opportunity to explore older persons’ and key informants’ understanding of elder abuse. Convenience sampling was used to select 116 older persons to participate in six gender-disaggregated focus groups in the respective provinces. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants from non-profit organisations and government departments. Data was analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The findings revealed that obstacles included socioeconomic factors, substance misuse and diminished traditional family values, whereas the protective factors included access to community networks, social support and awareness of rights. Suggestions are made for social workers to integrate developmental social welfare services in practice to enhance older persons’ access to human rights and social justice.

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Murugen C. S, Raniga T. & Glaser R. M. (2024). Exploring Risk and Protective Factors for Elder Abuse in South Africa.
African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 239-248. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i5.2