15/06/2023
Elder Abuse - A Dark Reality
Dr Archana Pate
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, when the world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people.
Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. The person may be a caregiver, a relative, or a person the elder trusts.
The types of abuse in elderly are as follows:
✳️Physical abuse: Infliction of pain or injury, physical coercion, or physical or drug induced restraint are few examples.
Signs of physical abuse vary greatly, but can include:
▪️Unexplained injuries such as broken bones, bruises, or cuts
▪️Open wounds or untreated injuries
▪️Dislocations and sprains
▪️Marks from restraining devices
▪️Internal bleeding or injuries
▪️Evidence of over/under-medicating
▪️Changes in the elderly person’s personality or behavior
✳️Mental abuse: Abuse of the mind, whether psychological or emotional, which leads to mental anguish.
Examples of psychological/emotional abuse include:
▪️Yelling and shouting
▪️Name-calling and ridiculing
▪️Embarrassing the person in front of others
▪️Making the person feel guilty or upset
▪️Giving an elderly person the silent treatment
▪️Restricting access to necessities like food and water or the bathroom
▪️Taking away or hiding personal items
▪️elderly man looking sad and depressed
✳️Financial abuse: It is the illegal or improper exploitation or use of an elderly person's funds or resources.
Signs and indicators of financial abuse include:
▪️Suspicious signatures on cheques or other documents
▪️Unexplained or large amounts of money withdrawn
▪️Changes to legal documents
▪️Using the elderly person’s ATM card or withdrawing money without permission
▪️Elder receiving inadequate care when they can afford better
✳️Sexual abuse: It is defined as any form of non consensual sexual contact with an elderly person.
Signs and symptoms of this form of abuse include:
▪️Unexplained STDs or ge***al infections
▪️Bruises on the breasts, inner thighs, or ge***als
▪️Difficulty walking or sitting
▪️Underwear that is torn or bloody
▪️Panic attacks or signs of post-traumatic stress disorder
▪️Social or emotional withdrawal from others
✳️Neglect: It is defined as the refusal to provide or failure to provide care to the elderly. This type of abuse can fall under two categories:
▪️Active neglect: when a caregiver deliberately withholds care and basic necessities
▪️Passive neglect: when a caregiver unintentionally fails to provide proper care to an elderly person due to ignorance or inexperience
Signs and symptoms of neglect include:
▪️Allowing the individual to live in unhealthy, unsanitary, or dangerous conditions
▪️Withholding access to medical attention
▪️Unkempt appearance or dirty clothing
▪️Untreated bed sores or injuries
▪️Abandonment
Malnutrition or dehydration
Statistics in India:
A study published by BMC public Health in 2014 revealed that 11% of 60+ year olds have experienced at least one type of elderly abuse (Physical 5.3%, Verbal 10.2%, Economic 5.4%, Disrespect 6%, Neglect 5.2%). The most common perpetrator was found to be the son, who was reported to be responsible for the abuse among 41% of male victims and 43% of female victims. Formal education among elderly beyond a certain level (8 years) was found to have a strong relation with reduced violence against elderly.
According to Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI),
at least 5% of India’s elderly population (aged 60 years and above) stated they experienced ill-treatment in 2020. Among the elderly who felt ill-treated, 77.3% complained of verbal / emotional ill-treatment, 23.7% physical ill-treatment, 26.5% experienced economic exploitation & more than half experienced neglect (52.6 %).
Legal Provision:
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 established a legal framework in support of the elderly, requiring children and property heirs to care for and support the poor elderly, as well as trying to encourage state governments to establish old-age homes for the disadvantaged elderly. The act anticipates the state providing assistance for financial security, healthcare, shelter, welfare, protection from abuse and exploitation, and other needs of the elderly.
How to report Elder Abuse:
▪️Mumbai Police Control Room – 100
▪️Elder Line – 14567
▪️File a complaint in local police station under IPC section 268
On the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let us all help in whatever way we can to raise awareness on the issue of elder abuse. Let us all make a commitment to nurture and care for our seniors with the love and affection they deserve.
