Some Disturbing Home Truths

A report on Elder Abuse, released by HelpAge India on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 14 June, reveals some stark figures about the other kind of domestic violence that goes under-reported.

A report on Elder Abuse, released by HelpAge India on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 14 June, reveals some stark figures about the other kind of domestic violence that goes under-reported. Of the 900 people aged over 60 interviewed in nine cities this May, elderly people in Bihar faced the most physical abuse (50.5 per cent), while those in Mumbai reported the most emotional abuse (54 per cent), and those in Hyderabad reported the highest amount of verbal abuse (91 per cent). Those guilty of the abuse were daughters-in-law, particularly in Delhi (100 per cent) and Bhopal (86.6 per cent), while in Patna, it tended to be sons (71.4 per cent). Meanwhile, Bangalore topped the list of overall abuse with a deplorable 44 per cent, and Chennai reported the lowest overall rate of abuse (2 per cent). “That may be because Chennai has the highest percentage of old people engaged in economic activity, at 38 per cent,” says Sonali Sharma, deputy director, HelpAge India. She adds that this year, those interviewed belonged to a slightly lower economic strata as compared to last year, and that the most common form of abuse faced by elderly people this year was verbal abuse, while last year it was neglect.

About The Author

Shruti Ravindran