Book overview
Elder abuse is one of India's most overlooked crises. It happens behind closed doors, within families, in the very homes where senior citizens should feel safest, and it goes largely unreported.
This practical guidebook shines a light on this widespread but often invisible problem. Drawing on surveys by HelpAge India and AgeWell Foundation, real-life newspaper case studies, and an in-depth review of Indian law, the authors walk readers through every dimension of senior citizen abuse in India, physical, emotional, financial, and property-related, and, crucially, what victims and their families can do about it.
Inside this book you will find:
- The types of abuse senior citizens face, backed by data and real cases
- Key statistics: why over 70% of abuse goes unreported, and who the most common perpetrators are
- A complete guide to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (including the 2019 Amendment)
- Step-by-step guidance on approaching police, tribunals, NGOs, and helplines
- City-wise helpline numbers and contact details for organizations including HelpAge India, Dignity Foundation, and AgeWell Foundation
- Practical tips for caregivers, family members, and senior citizens themselves
- How to use the RTI Act to force police action when complaints are ignored
Whether you are a senior citizen facing abuse, a concerned family member, a caregiver, or a policymaker, this book gives you the knowledge and tools to understand, prevent, and respond to elder abuse in India.
