Elder Abuse in Cape Town Townships

A groundbreaking independent study

Ikamva Labantu released the first study of its kind, examining elder abuse in Cape Town’s townships – exposing a crisis that has remained largely invisible until now.  The study reveals the deep vulnerability of older persons in under-resourced communities where poverty, isolation, and the erosion of traditional respect put them at heightened risk. It’s also the first study to explore how gender impacts elder abuse in this context.

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“I am very emotionally abused by a child who is my grandson – who smokes Tik. When he is high, everyone is the house can feel it. Sometimes I don’t even know where to hide myself.”

– Elder on our Women’s Focus Group Discussion

Key Findings

The study uncovered a wide range of abuse – emotional, physical, financial, and systemic – often committed by the very children and grandchildren elders care for or depend on. Financial Abuse was the most prominent form of abuse, with women being most affected.

 

  • Older persons in under-resourced township communities are deeply vulnerable due to poverty, isolation, and the erosion of traditional respect for elders.
  • Women are abused more frequently and experience a wider range of abuse compared to men.
  • There is a diverse range of abuse, mainly perpetrated by victims’ children and grandchildren on whom many of the elderly are dependent.
  • Economic abuse is the most prevalent, particularly the exploitation of pension money.
  • Substance abuse is the most frequently mentioned risk for elder abuse, specifically tik and alcohol use.
  • Both unemployment and living in multigenerational households increase the risk of elder abuse.

Women Carry the Burden

Women experience significantly more abuse and a wider range of abuse

Economic Abuse Prevalent

Economic abuse is the most prevalent abuse, particularly the exploitation of pensions

Alcohol and Tik = Risk

The greatest risk for elder abuse, are family members who use alcohol or “Tik” (Crystal Methamphetamine)

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“Our seniors told us they are forgotten. They have been politically marginalised with little priority and urgency placed on their needs in comparison to other vulnerable groups. These findings are a powerful tool to advocate for the rights, dignity, and safety of older people in our townships so that we can uphold the principles embodied in our constitution.”

– Lulama Sigasana, Ikamva Labantu – Older Persons Programme Manager