Elderly Abuse Awareness
Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or through neglect.
đź“Š How Big Is Elder Abuse in India & Globally?
Bengaluru’s Distress Calls Reveal Family Abuse
In Bengaluru alone, the city’s elders helpline received over 41,000 distress calls between 2022–2025, with nearly 70% concerning abuse by close family members.
Source: Times of India1 in 3 Seniors in India Face Abuse
A national survey shows nearly 30% of seniors across 20 Indian cities have experienced abuse, with sons or daughters-in-law often the perpetrators; most victims don’t report it.
Source: Times of IndiaGlobal Elder Abuse: 1 in 6 Affected
Globally, about 1 in 6 people over age 60 report abuse such as physical, psychological, or financial exploitation — and this is likely an underestimate due to underreporting.
Source: World Health OrganizationHelpAge India: 50% Abuse by Own Children
According to HelpAge India, nearly 50% of elder abuse cases reported to them are perpetrated by the victim’s own children, mostly sons or daughters-in-law.
Source: HelpAge IndiaNCRB: Crimes Against Seniors Rising
National Crime Records Bureau data shows crimes against persons over 60 rose by 18% from 2021 to 2023, with fraud, abandonment, and assault being top categories.
Source: NCRB IndiaUN: Elder Abuse Costs $Billions Annually
The United Nations estimates elder abuse costs health systems, legal services, and social care over $6 billion annually globally — and harms dignity and longevity.
Source: United NationsRajasthan: 62% Seniors Fear Asking for Help
A 2024 state survey in Rajasthan found 62% of seniors fear social stigma or family backlash if they report abuse — leading to severe underreporting.
Source: Rajasthan Social Justice DeptDelhi Commission: 80% Abuse is Emotional
Delhi Commission for Senior Citizens reports 80% of abuse cases involve emotional neglect, verbal harassment, or isolation — harder to prove but deeply damaging.
Source: Delhi Govt Senior Citizen DeptTamil Nadu: Pension Fraud Rising
Tamil Nadu’s senior citizen protection cell reports a 40% rise in pension fraud cases, where relatives or strangers manipulate bank access to steal monthly benefits.
Source: TN Social Welfare DeptKerala: Loneliness = Health Risk
Kerala’s State Mental Health Program links chronic loneliness in seniors to 3x higher risk of depression and 2x higher risk of dementia — urging community check-ins.
Source: Kerala Health ServicesMaharashtra: 1 in 4 Seniors Live Alone
In urban Maharashtra, nearly 25% of seniors above 70 live alone — increasing vulnerability to scams, health emergencies, and emotional neglect.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & EmpowermentUttar Pradesh: 70% Don’t Know Helpline 14567
A 2025 UP government survey found 70% of rural seniors are unaware of the National Elder Line (14567), despite it offering 24x7 support for abuse, health, and legal aid.
Source: UP Social Welfare DeptMaaya Anubhuti Foundation — Information Only
3A-232, Rachna, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, UP, India, PIN: 201010
📞 +91 9599 914274 | ✉️ care@maayaanubhuti.org
Curated for awareness. Last updated: August 2025.
