16% of older women in India suffer abuse: Survey

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• Jun 15, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Almost 16% of elderly women in India have faced abuse, usually in the form of physical violence...

Digital Desk: Almost 16% of elderly women in India have faced abuse, usually in the form of physical violence, followed by disrespect and psychological abuse, according to a report published on Wednesday. 

The report 'Women & Ageing: Invisible or Empowered?' published by HelpAge India on the occasion of the UN-recognised 'World Elder Abuse Awareness Day' on Thursday surveyed 7,911 women between the age of 60 to 90 for one month from May to June.

The non-profit organisation collected its respondents from rural and urban India, covering 20 states, two UTs, and five metro cities, and representing a wide range of socioeconomic categories.

The report showed that 16% of elderly women were abused. Physical abuse was reported by 50% of those abused, making it the most common type of abuse. It was followed by 46% being disrespected and 40% experiencing emotional/psychological abuse.

The main perpetrators were identified as sons by 40% of the women polled, relatives by 31%, and daughters-in-law by 27%.

These findings are concerning because they show that the abuse goes beyond the close family circle, according to the report. The survey also found that, despite being abused, the majority of elderly women did not report it to the authorities, owing to fear.

While 18% identified "fear of retaliation or further abuse" as the primary reason, 16% were uninformed of the resources available, and 13% believed their concerns would not be taken seriously.

According to the survey, around 56% of older women were unaware of abuse redressal methods, with only 15% aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.

According to the data, 78% of the women surveyed were unaware of any government relief programmes.

According to the survey, the social status of older women further added to their problems, with 64% encountering social prejudice owing to their marital status, particularly widowed women, and 18% facing gender discrimination.

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On the economic front, 53% of older women stated they did not feel financially secure.

"Of the 47% who do feel secure, 79% rely on their children for financial support, and 66% of older women in India do not own any assets, while 75% do not have any savings," the report said.

The survey found that the country's older women lag significantly behind in terms of digital inclusion. While 60% have never used digital gadgets, 59% do not possess cellphones, and only 13% would desire to engage in an online skill development programme.

A significant 48% of respondents were discovered to have at least one chronic ailment, while 64% do not have health insurance.

According to the report, over 67% of older women continue to perform caregiving tasks in their families, while 36% are unable to do so.

"Raising awareness about government welfare schemes, increasing priority in pension, healthcare, and economic participation programmes, special schemes for elderly women, and recourse to redressal mechanisms for elder abuse are some areas for an urgent response," stated Rohit Prasad, CEO of HelpAge India.