Helpline for senior citizens has witnessed an increase in such calls.
Calls reporting crime and abuse to the police helpline for senior citizens have gone up to 20% of the total calls in 2011, as compared to 13-14% in 2007. This indicates a considerable rise in the cases of abuse and crime against the elderly in the city.
The number of calls received by the helpline has also gone up in the last few years, but so has the percentage of calls reporting abuse and crime.
The helpline was started by the police commissionerate in 2004 for senior citizens. The previous toll free number 1091 has now been changed to 26111103.
Many senior citizens call up to seek general information, but other than that, calls reporting abuse and crime are the second highest.
The helpline received 678 calls in 2007. In charge of the helpline, Jyoti Pund, told DNA that in 2007 the percentage of calls asking for help in cases of abuse and crime was about 14 % of the total calls. There were about 95 calls about abuse and crime then.
“In 2011, the number of total calls increased to 1,911, out of which about 380 calls reported abuse and crime. Though the calls for general information are the highest, the calls reporting abuse and crime from the elderly are the second highest on the list,” said Pund.
An analysis of the calls between May 2011 and November 2011 also reiterates this fact. The analysis was done by a city-based organisation and the report was submitted to the commissioner of police.
The helpline received about 761 calls in these six months. Out of these, 475 calls were to ask for hospitals in the city, old age homes and contacts of advocates. Out of the total, the number of calls reporting abuse and crime were 151.
“Crime and abuse include harassment at the hands of children, not being cared for, physical and verbal abuse from relatives and children, cheating, robbery, attack etc,” said Pund. When asked how they help in such cases, Pund said that appropriate counseling is provided, and if necessary police help is also taken.
If the problem is still not resolved, then a police complaint is lodged .
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