- A significant number of elderly women do not report the abuse to the police
- 53 per cent of the older women said they did not feel financially secure
- Majority of perpetrators were family members, with 40 pc identified as sons
A recent survey conducted by HelpAge India has shed light on the alarming issue of abuse faced by elderly women in India. The report titled 'Women & Ageing: Invisible or Empowered?' was published on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, recognized by the United Nations, and provides crucial insights into the prevalence and forms of abuse experienced by women aged 60 to 90.
Over a period of one month, HelpAge India surveyed 7,911 women from both rural and urban areas across 20 states, two union territories, and five metro cities, ensuring a diverse representation of socio-economic backgrounds. The findings are deeply concerning, with 16% of the respondents reporting instances of abuse.
Physical violence emerged as the most common form of abuse, reported by 50% of the victims. Following closely behind were disrespect (46%) and emotional/psychological abuse (40%). Shockingly, the survey revealed that the majority of perpetrators were close family members, with 40% identified as sons, 31% as other relatives, and 27% as daughters-in-law. These figures indicate that abuse extends beyond immediate family circles, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
One particularly distressing aspect revealed by the survey is that a significant number of elderly women do not report the abuse to the police. Fear was cited as the primary reason for not seeking help, with 18% expressing concerns over retaliation or further abuse. Additionally, 16% claimed to be unaware of available resources, while 13% believed their concerns would not be taken seriously.
The survey by HelpAge India serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for society to address and combat the abuse faced by elderly women. Efforts must be made to raise awareness, strengthen support systems, and provide avenues for reporting and intervention. Only through collective action can we ensure the well-being and dignity of India's elderly population.
Data from the report suggested about 56 per cent of older women lacked awareness of abuse redressal mechanisms, with only 15 per cent being aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
A huge percentage of the surveyed women--78 per cent--said they were unaware of any government welfare schemes, the report said.
The survey found that the social status of the older women only further added to their woes, indicated by 64 per cent facing social discrimination due to their marital status, especially widowed, and 18 per cent being discriminated against due to their gender.
On the economic front, 53 per cent of the older women said they did not feel financially secure.
"Of the 47 per cent who do feel secure, 79 per cent are dependent on their children for finances and 66 per cent older women in India don't own any assets, while 75 per cent do not have any savings," the report said.
In matters concerning digital inclusion, the country's elderly women are far behind, the report showed. While 60 per cent of them have never used digital devices, 59 per cent said they do not own smartphones and only 13 per cent said they would like to enroll on a skill development programme online.
A significant 48 per cent of the respondents were found to have at least one chronic condition, yet 64 per cent are not health insured.
About 67 per cent of older women still undertake caregiving roles in their families, while 36 per cent are unable to do so, the report said.
"Some areas for urgent response are raising awareness about government welfare schemes, greater priority in pension, healthcare and economic participation programmes, special schemes for elderly women and recourse to redressal mechanisms for elder abuse said Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.Â
(With inputs from PTI)
