Mangalore ranked 13th in elder abuse, SP says police ready to help tackle issue
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jun 14: “India is a unique country where the elderly are respected and cared for. Still, abuse of elders is a major area of concern. Police department is ready to help tackle this issue. I can even provide space in the SP office to set up a center for counselling with help of NGOs. The government should set up homes for the elderly,” said Abhishek Goyal, superintendent of police (SP).
He was speaking after releasing a nationwide report on 'Elder Abuse in India' by HelpAge India to mark the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya auditorium here on Friday June 14.
“Elder abuse cases cannot be treated like other cases. Most parents do not want their children to get punished by police, hence they will not file complaint even if they are abused. This sensitive issue should be resolved by counselling and creating awareness among people. Counseling will help in filling the communication gap between parents and children."
Rekha Murthy, organizer, briefed on the report and said, "In 2010, HelpAge India, an NGO, conducted a survey to study the elder abuse in 24 cities in 20 states across India. The report revealed that Bangalore is in the 7th place in elder abuse, and more than one-fifth of the elderly, that is 23% experienced abuse nationally. Mangalore is in the 13th place, and Madurai in the first place.
"Among those abused, 76% of the elderly are victims of verbal abuse in India, 40% are victims of physical violence. The main reason for elder abuse is economic dependency. Among them, 70% of elders do not report about the abuse, and only 11% are aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007."
Dr Olinda Pereira, director of Vishwas Trust, Mangalore, Dr Sophia N Fernandes, principal of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Sr Sylvia Fernandes, mother superior, Sisters of Charity, and Shreenath Hegde, secretary, Abhaya Ashraya were present.