World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 'Bahu', the villain in age of abuse

Anandibai, 80, a Dadar resident, was being harassed by her grandson for years.

When he threw her out of the house, she filed a complaint against him under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSCA), 2007. Under the Act, it is mandatory for the kin to take proper care of the elderly or face imprisonment up to three months. But, not all aged persons file complaints.

Elder abuse in India, the latest report released by non-profit organisation HelpAge India reveals that one in every four elderly persons faces abuse. “In Mumbai, too, one in every four elderly persons surveyed reported facing abuse. What’s worse is that in spite of residing in tier 1 city, up to 84% have made no attempt to report abuse,” said Prakash Borgaonkar, director, HelpAge India.

The report highlights shocking types of multiple abuse that senior citizens are subjected to, including beating and forcible sexual contact. The report says that in metros, including Mumbai, disrespect is the most common form of abuse (79%) followed by verbal abuse (75.86%) and neglect (68.86%).

In addition, up to 52.49% elderly reported being exploited for property.

“Property prices in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi have soared to crores of rupees. The exploitation of the elderly to usurp property has become rampant since last year,” said Borgaonkar.

Also, 38.98% of the elderly said they were slapped and beaten while 3.01% reported unwelcome or forcible sexual abuse. A majority of the elders, up to 55% in Mumbai, said that the daughter-in-law was responsible for the abuse.

While abuse is rampant, awareness about redressal mechanisms is extremely low. The report revealed that in Mumbai only 47% elderly were aware about the helpline and a meagre 2% knew about the MWPSC Act, 2007. “When there is no awareness, the law cannot be implemented. The perpetrators are hence not brought to book,” said Borgaonkar.