Presented by Nandini G.Devarmani Assistant Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Rani Channamma University at IJSARD (International Journal of Socio-legal Analysis and Rural Development) International Virtual Conference 2017 on Law and Social Sciences.

1. Elderly Abuse - A Growing
Menace
A Critical Study of Belagavi City
By
Nandini G.Devarmani
Assistant Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal
Justice, Rani Channamma University
Email: ngdevarmani@yahoo.co.in

2. CONTENTS
 Introduction
 Methodology
 Data Analysis
 Findings
 Suggestions
 Conclusion

3. Introduction
 Defination of Elder Abuse :-
A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any
relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or
distress to an older person or violates their human and civil rights.
 At present 95 million people in India are above the age of 60 and by the year
2025 nearly 80 million more will be added to this population bracket.
 Elder Abuse may be the result of deliberate intention, negligence or ignorance.

4. There are different types of elder abuse viz. :-
1. Physical Abuse 2. Psychological Abuse 3. Financial Abuse 4. Sexual
Abuse 5. Neglect 6. Discriminatory Abuse 7. Institutional Abuse.
 According to HSE elder abuse service, in 2009 psychological abuse was
the most frequently reported form of abuse at 28%, followed by self-
neglect (21%), financial abuse (18%), neglect (17%) and physical abuse
(12%), sexual abuse (1%) and other/discrimination (3%).
 To prevent elder abuse there are Constitutional provisions and also legal
protection schemes mentioned in laws and certain facilities with
concession have been provided by different States.

5. Methodology
 Objective of the research is to study :-
1. The conditions of Elders in their homes and reason for their Elderly Abuse.
2. The awareness programs conducted by the old age homes for the elderly
and their views on elderly people.
 The research is of exploratory type and descriptive method have been used to
conduct the study.
 The data is primary data and is collected by framing the questionnaires.
 73 samples with the age of 50 yrs. and above were selected randomly for the
study.

6. Data Analysis
 From the total samples collected it can be seen that the number of male
elders is less than that of female elders i.e. 24:49 respectively.
 All old age institutions mentioned in this study provide facilities of food,
shelter, clothing and medicine.
 Out of all institutions only Shantai Vrudhashram provides exercise facility to
the inmates.
 The old age institutions are managing their fundings given by the family
members of inmates, friends of inmates as well as fundings done by well wishers
and religious peoples.
 Some institutions also manage by self funding i.e. putting up the expenses by
there own.

7. Data Analysis
 The old age institutions have came up with the facility to provide general
awareness among public regarding elder abuse.
 The awareness among public regarding elder abuse is done in different ways
by conducting special speeches and programmes as well as by distributing
pamphlets with awareness message.
 They also work to conduct rejoining of the inmates with there family.
 Even it has been found out that in old age institutions the number of elders
having no children's to look after is more than the elders having children's.

8. Data Analysis
 It has been found out that there are different reasons for elders to join old
age institutions.
 Some elders have joined institutions by there self interest.
 Some have joined institutions due to harassment by family members,
medical problems and due to neglected by family.
 Even it is notable thing that many of the elders are forced to work at home
against there physical capability especially female elders.
 They are also subjected to physical abuse and mental abuse by means of
beating and oral abuse.

9. Findings
 All the old age institiutions under this study are run by private persons and
none of it is government adopted.
 Many elders don’t have childrens to look after them so they have joined the
institution.
 More number of female elders can be seen than that of male elders in the
institutions.
 The reason for joining the institution is neglecting by family members,
medical problems and harrassment.
 The institutions are lacking in sufficient number of staff .

10. Findings
 The institutions provide basic facilities of food, shelter and medicine to
inmates.
 They also conduct various programmes for spreading awareness among
public regarding elder abuse.
 The institutions are funded by private persons, family members of
inmates and by community.
 No institution is funded by government.

11. Suggestions
 Government must support to the Old Age Homes. Then they can improve
their facilities.
 Free medical care may be provided with the help of some organizations.
 Social workers can help the elderly to be aware about the various policies
and programs related to the welfare of the aged in our country. This will help
the elderly to protect their rights.
 Make arrangement for counseling to rejoining the elders to their families.
 Make awareness programmes regarding elder abuse among public.

12. Conclusion
 It is evident that due to socio-economic changes in the wake of urbanization
and increase in the proportion of the aged in the population, the problems of
the aged have become formidable.
 As family, the aged should be considered as a valuable cultural resources and
role models for the younger generation.
 Therefore, government and non-governmental organizations should come
forward to motivate and create awareness among the youth to take care of
the aged in the family.