Latest news with #DepartmentfortheEmpowermentofDifferentlyAbledandSeniorCitizens
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
70% elder abuse complaints in last 3 years were against family members: helpline data
Around 70% elder abuse complaints reported in the last three years (2022 - 2025) were against family members, according to data from the Elders Helpline, a toll free number (1090) which is a joint project of Bengaluru City police and Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), supported by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. This data was revealed on Saturday ahead of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed on June 15 every year globally to spotlight the issue of elder abuse, which includes physical, emotional, financial, and sexual harm, as well as neglect. The data showed that sons rank consistently as primary perpetrators, followed by daughters-in-law and other close relatives. 'The leading causes of abuse include disputes related to property and financial matters, alongside caregiving burdens and a growing lack of adjustment within multi-generational households, highlighting intergenerational tensions and the urgent need for elder-sensitive support systems,' said Radha S. Murthy, managing trustee, NMT. NMT, in association with Elders Helpline, had organised a public awareness campaign against elder abuse on June 14. The event featured street plays and a roadshow from Shivajinagar to KR market, aiming to raise public awareness and promote community-level action. Flagging off the campaign, Nataraj S., Joint Director of the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, stated, 'Our culture is to value our elders. There is an urgent need to protect and take collective action against elder abuse.' S Premkumar Raja, Co-founder and Secretary of NMT, lamented, 'Generally in India, we think that old age home is a solution for the problems of the elderly. However, that is not the ideal solution. Elders always want to be part of their families and society.' Further commenting on elder abuse, he said, 'Sadly, since most of the time the abusers are family members, the problem is hidden.' It was also revealed during the event that since its inception in 2002, the helpline has received over 2,73,600 calls and walk-ins have registered more than 15,000 complaints. More than 69% of the cases have been resovled and 44,500 counselling sessions have been conducted. Registration for Ayush Vaya Vandana Card To assist the elderly, the Elders Helpline – composed of social workers, counsellors, legal professionals and police personnel – will be initiating a registration help desk for issuing 'Ayush Vaya Vandana Card' for elders over 70 years. Registrations will be conducted by prior appointment once a week on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card is a specialised health and welfare card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme for senior citizens, particularly those aged 70 and above.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Elder abuse awareness campaign in Bengaluru tomorrow
To observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Elders Helpline—run by Bengaluru City police and Nightingales Medical Trust—will host a public awareness campaign on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Shivajinagar bus stand. Supported by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, the event aims to raise awareness about elder abuse. The programme features street plays and a road show from Shivajinagar to K.R. Market bus station, highlighting the challenges faced by the elderly.
