Protect, Educate, Empower: Combating Elder Abuse

aved, a seasoned professional with a background in sales and marketing, found himself drawn to the social sector after working with GiveIndia alongside Mr. Venkat. His career took him to the entertainment industry, where he served as the head of marketing for the Indian Television Academy awards and the TV Great Women Achiever Award. However, Javed felt a calling to make a difference differently. Taking a break from his previous endeavors, he explored various opportunities and eventually found himself connected with the Dignity Foundation, where he has worked for the past three years. This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, he shares with our co-founder Deval Delivala the challenges faced by older adults today and the urgency to protect and support them.

Understanding Elder Abuse and its Different Forms

Elder abuse can take various forms, often originating within the family itself. A significant indicator of elder abuse is when parents begin to fear their own children. This fear arises from their inability to express themselves freely and voice their opinions. Most cases of elder abuse, approximately 99%, stem from property disputes. As senior citizens age, they can be seen as liabilities, leading to conflicts over who will inherit their assets and assume responsibility for their care. Both physical and emotional abuse can occur within these dynamics.

Recognizing Risk Factors and Identifying Signs of Elder Abuse

Identifying signs of elder abuse requires awareness and active involvement from family members and caregivers. Emotional abuse can be challenging to detect, as victims often hesitate to report it due to societal pressure and concerns about reputation. Physical abuse, on the other hand, leaves visible marks or injuries, making it relatively easier to identify. Unfortunately, the love for one's children in Indian culture sometimes enables manipulative behavior, as children learn that they can get away with mistreating their parents. This further perpetuates the suffering of senior citizens, as they often struggle to find the courage to speak up.

Raising Awareness and Preventing Elder Abuse

Raising awareness about elder abuse and preventing it necessitate collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including the police, NGOs, and community members. The police play a crucial role in addressing physical abuse cases, and initiatives like well-being checks for senior citizens have proven effective in ensuring their safety. Constant awareness campaigns, driven by organizations like Dignity Foundation and GetSetUp supported by community engagement, can encourage reporting and provide older adults with a sense of security. It is essential for the victims to feel confident that their complaints will be taken seriously and that measures will be implemented to prevent further abuse.

Resources for Elders Facing Abuse or Neglect

While the concept of formal caregivers may not be prevalent in all households, there are helpline numbers provided by the Dignity Foundation and support systems that can provide guidance and assistance. Encouraging open communication between family members is vital to ensure that issues are addressed promptly. Counseling sessions can be organized for family members engaging in abusive behavior, allowing them to recognize the impact of their actions and adopt healthier dynamics. If you suspect someone you know is facing abuse, here are the steps on how to report:

• Report Elder Abuse: Visit police station to file a written complaint or inform verbally.
• File FIR for Assault: Register FIR for admissible offences, assault, or injury.
• Obtain Wound Certificate: Take senior to government hospital for examination and get a wound certificate.
• Seek Helpline Assistance: Contact Dignity Elders Helpline, assess case, register complaint, and attempt resolution.
  

Legislative and Policy Initiatives to Combat Elder Abuse

The Parents Act of 2007 stands as an important legislative initiative aimed at safeguarding senior citizens. This act has established special tribunals known as Senior Citizen Tribunals, which handle cases related to elder abuse and provide a legal platform for victims to seek justice. These tribunals can issue protection orders, maintenance orders, and even eviction orders against abusive family members. Additionally, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, requires adult children to provide for the maintenance and welfare of their elderly parents. This act emphasizes the importance of familial responsibility and holds children accountable for the care and well-being of their aging parents.

Moreover, the government has implemented various policy initiatives to address elder abuse. For example, the National Policy on Older Persons focuses on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of senior citizens. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive healthcare, social security, and legal support for elderly individuals. The policy also advocates for creating senior citizen councils at the district, state, and national levels to address issues related to elder abuse and promote elder-friendly policies.

Promoting Intergenerational Understanding and Respect

By teaching children to love and respect their parents and elders, we can create a culture that values and cherishes the contributions made by older adults. In societies like India, where these values are deeply ingrained, the foundation for a compassionate and respectful relationship between generations already exists. It is encouraged we return to these cultural roots to uphold traditional values and eradicate elder abuse. Instead of opting for nursing homes or neglecting aging parents, younger generations should provide care and support within the family unit. By embracing this responsibility, we can strengthen intergenerational bonds and create an environment where elder abuse has no place.

In conclusion, as we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let us reflect on the proactive steps we can take to combat abuse. GetSetUp actively addresses this issue by providing socialization opportunities, educational classes, and a supportive community that empowers our active agers to stay connected, engaged, and protected. By uniting as a community, we can collectively combat elder abuse and foster a society that values, respects, and safeguards our active aging population.

To watch our live session with Javed, click here

Looking to make a meaningful impact in combatting elder abuse? Partner with GetSetUp to empower and protect our aging population through education, community-building, and support. To connect, drop an email at deval@getsetup.io