In India, 25% of elders face abuse, primarily by their own kin. Disrespect (45.6%) and beating/slapping (23.1%) were the main forms of abuse. The main abusers were the son (43.8%) and daughter-in-law (27.8%). Surprisingly, 14.2% said that their abusers were their daughter. Although prevalent and on the rise, elder abuse continues to be a taboo topic, especially with many elders hesitating to seek help or report their own kin.
To #BridgeTheGap and ensure that elders who are in distress or have been abandoned are provided emergency care and protection, we pioneered an agecare response mechanism with a toll-free Elder Helpline (1800-180-1253). The first one was set up in 2004 and today we have helplines in 17 locations. It also runs 7 government supported Elderlines (14567).
June 15 is recognized by the United Nations as ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’ and is marked world over. Over the years, we have been front-runner in advocating for elder rights and voicing elder concerns on the issue of abuse and ageism faced by the elderly, at a societal, family and systematic level, through in-depth research reports.
Through an umbrella outreach via panel discussions, webinars, walkathons, engaging experts and decision makers, to reaching out to mainstream media, conducting social media campaigns, HelpAge aims to reach out and sensitize Central and State governments, youth, children, educational institutions, corporates and society at large.
Elder Helpline, An initiative by HelpAge India
HelpAge runs a Toll-free Elder Helpline across 21 state capitals in India
“It’s a new birth, it’s a new life. I am not an ordinary man anymore. I feel very happy now”
If you wish to pay by UPI.
VPA : helpageindia@sc
Name : HELPAGE INDIA
