Victimization of senior_citizens-_a_study_in_Delhi_Metropolis_city_from_Human_Rights_perspactives

Victimization of senior citizens 2013
LOK NAYAK JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY AND FORENSIC
SCIENCE
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of India

RESEARCH PROJECT ON
“VICTIMIZATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS: A STUDY IN DELHI
METROPOLIS CITY FROM HUMAN RIGHTS PERSPECTIVES”

Under Supervision of:

Submitted By:

Prof. (Dr.) B.N. Chattoraj

AVINASH

(Dean Academics)

M.A. Criminology
4th semester

Ms. Minakshi Sinha
(Reader Sociology)

Senior Citizens and Present Scenario

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Table of contents
Certificate
Declaration
Acknowledgement

2
3
4
5

Chapter -1
1. Introduction
2. Constitutional and Legal Protections
o Protections under Indian Constitution
o Legal Protections

6
9
10

Chapter - 2
1. Statement of the Problem

18

Chapter – 3
2. Literature Review
3. Theoretical Framework

19
26

Chapter – 4
1.
2.
3.
4.

Objectives
Scope of the Study
Research Methodology
Limitation of the Study

28
28
29
30

Chapter – 5
1. Data analyses

31

Chapter – 6
1. Findings of the Study

64

Chapter - 7
1. Suggestions

66

Chapter - 8
1. Conclusion

68

Chapter - 9
1. Appendix-1 – Interview Schedule for Senior Citizens
2. Appendix-2 – Interview Guide for Police
3. Appendix-3 – Reference


69
73
74

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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the current study entitled “VICTIMIZATION OF SENIOR
CITIZENS: A STUDY IN DELHI METROPOLIS CITY FROM HUMAN RIGHTS
PERSPACTIVES” is an original piece of work carried out by Mr. AVINASH for the
partial fulfillment of degree in M.A. Criminology from Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan
National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, MHA, Government of India,
New Delhi.
The study has been conducted under my guidance and supervision and has not
been submitted elsewhere for publication or any other purpose.

Prof. (Dr.) B.N. Chattoraj
(Dean Academics)
LNJN NICFS (MHA)

Ms. Minakshi Sinha
(Reader Sociology)


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DECLARATION
I, AVINASH, hereby declare that the following research project entitled
“VICTIMIZATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS: A STUDY IN DELHI METROPOLIS CITY
FROM HUMAN RIGHTS PERSPACTIVES” is my own original work and no part of it
has been duplicated from any previously submitted or published research study in
the Institute or elsewhere.

AVINASH
4th Semester
M.A. Criminology


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I consider it a great privilege to thank Prof (Dr.) B.N. Chattoraj, Course Director and
Head of Department of Criminology, LNJN NICFS (MHA) and Ms. Minakshi Sinha
(Reader Sociology), for their invaluable guidance, supervision and encouragement
without which this research study would never have come to fruition.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the police officers for helping me in
completing my project.
Finally, a big thank to all the respondents for their honesty and co-operation in
providing the relevant data for the research.


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CHAPTER - 1
INTRODUCTION
Broadly speaking human rights may be regarded as those fundamental rights which
are essential for life as human being. Human rights are the rights which possessed
by every human being, irrespective of his or her nationality, race, religion, sex etc.
Human rights are thus those rights which are inherent in our nature and without
which we can‘t live as human being. Human rights and fundamental freedom allow
us to fully develop and use our human qualities, our intelligence, our talents and our
needs.
Human rights are also called the fundamental rights, basic rights or natural rights. As
fundamental or basic rights they are the rights which must not be taken away by any
legislature or any act of government and which are often set out in a constitution. As
natural rights they are seen as belonging to men or women by their very nature. As
natural rights they are seen as belonging to men or women by their very nature.
Human rights are also called ―common rights‖ for they are rights which are share by
all men and women in the world. For example the common law in England was the
body of rules and custom which, unlike local customs, govern the whole country. So,
in short human rights means rights to be human.
A person who is above 60 years is commonly considered as the Elderly.
Recently, however, social scientists have begun to identify specific group within the
growing population of older persons. People between the ages of 60 and 70, who
are still inclined to be healthy an active, are called the‖ young old‖. Those who are 70
to 80, a group that is more likely to require support services, are the ―old-old‖. Those
who are above the age of 80may be termed as the ―oldest-old‖. Another group, the
―frail elderly‖, consists of people over 60 who, because of poor health or economic
problems, cannot carry out the basic activities of life without help.
According to the Section 2(h) of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act, 2007, “senior citizens” means any person being a citizen of
India, who has attained the age of 60 years or above.


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The concept of victim dates back to ancient cultures and civilizations, such as the
ancient Hebrews. Its original meaning was rooted in the idea of sacrifice or
scapegoat -- the execution or casting out of a person or animal to satisfy a deity or
hierarchy. Over the centuries, the word victim came to have additional meanings.
Today, the concept of victim includes any person who experiences injury, loss, or
hardship due to any cause.

Also today, the word victim is used rather

indiscriminately; e.g., cancer victims, holocaust victims, accident victims, victims of
injustice, hurricane victims, crime victims, and others. The thing that all these
usages have in common is an image of someone who has suffered injury and harm
by forces beyond his or her control.

Under the UN Declaration of the Basic Principles of Justice for Victims
of Crime and Abuse of Power 1985, “victim” means:
Persons who individually or collectively, have suffered harm, which include physical
or mental injury, emotional suffering or economic loss or substantial impairment of
fundamental rights through acts or omissions that are in violation of criminal laws
operative within member states, including those laws prescribing criminal abuse of
power.
According to Karman ―Victimization is the process of being victimized or becoming
a victim. The term victim of crime generally refers to any person, group or entity who
has suffered injury or loss due to an illegal activity. The harm can be physical,
psychological or financial.‖

It has generally been accepted that with the growing elderly population there
will be increased victimization of the elderly. Is this perception correct? What is the
criminal justice system doing to prepare itself and the elderly population for the
future? Law enforcement will play an important role in developing a comprehensive
strategy that will meet the needs of the growing number of elderly in this country.
Older citizens in our communities deserve and require a tailored law enforcement
response to provide them with effective services. Law enforcement must understand
the problems, characteristics, and needs of the burgeoning elderly population. All
states have legislation that in some way affects the elderly, whether it is mandatory

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reporting laws, adult protection services laws, enhanced penalties for crimes against
the elderly, or domestic violence laws. Law enforcement agencies across the country
are shifting toward a community oriented approach to policing. A quality response to
the needs of the elderly is going to be an integral part of any community policing
effort.

With the growing elderly population, the nation should also be experiencing a
growing number of elderly victims. Since the elderly population has doubled since
1960, has the victimization of the elderly doubled as well? A study done by the
Bureau of Justice Statistics found the following to be true. Persons age 65 or older
are the least likely of all age groups in the nation to experience either lethal or
nonlethal forms of criminal victimization; the elderly in this study comprised less than
2% of all victimization (Bachman, 1993). If the elderly comprise 13% of the
population but only 2% of the victimization, then the rise in population has not been
equal to the rate of victimization.

Crime victimization rates among the elderly have been declining during the
1980's. Household crimes against the elderly in 1981 were 123 per 1000 households
with heads of households over 65. In 1990 this figure dropped to 75 in 1000
(Bachman, 1993).


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CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PROTECTIONS
A. PROTECTIONS UNDER INDIAN CONSTITUTION
38. State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people (1) The State shall strive to promote the welfareof the people by securing and
protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic
and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life.

(2) The State shall, in particular, strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and
endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only
amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or
engaged in different vocations.

41. Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases - The
State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make
effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public
assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in
other cases of undeserved want.

42. Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief - The
State shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for
maternity relief.

46. Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections - The State shall promote with
special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the
people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and
shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

47. Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living
and to improve public health - The State shall regard the raising of the level of
nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health
as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring

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about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating
drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.

B. LEGAL PROTECTIONS

1. THE HINDU ADOPTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ACT, 1956

20. Maintenance of children and aged parents- (1) Subject to the provisions of
this section a Hindu is bound, during his or her lifetime, to maintain his or her
legitimate or illegitimate children and his or her aged or infirm parents.

(2) A legitimate or illegitimate child may claim maintenance from his or her father or
mother so long as the child is a minor.

(3) The obligation of a person to maintain his or her aged or infirm parent or daughter
who is unmarried extends in so far as the parent or the unmarried daughter, as the
case may be, is unable to maintain himself or herself out of his or her own ealnings
or other property

21. Dependents defined- For the purposes of this Chapter "dependents" mean the
following relatives of the deceased

(i) his or her father;
(ii) his or her mother;
(iii) his widow, so long as she does not remarry;
(iv) his or her son or the son of his predeceased son or the son of a predeceased
son of his predeceased son, so long as he is a minor; provided and to the extent that
he is unable to obtain maintenance, in the case of a grandson from his father's or
mother's estate, and in the case of a great-grandson, from the estate of his father or
mother or father's father or father's mother;

(v) his or her unmarried daughter for the unmarried daughter of his predeceased son
or the unmarried daughter of a predeceased son of his predeceased son, so long as

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she remains unmarried; provided and to the extent that she is unable to obtain
maintenance, in the case of a grand daughter from her father's or mother's estate
and in the case of a great-grand daughter from the estate of her father or mother or
father's father or father's mother;

(vi) his widowed daughter; provided and to the extent that she is unable to obtain
maintenance(a) from the estate of her husband; or
(b) from her son or daughter, if any, or his or her estate; or
(c) from her father-in-law or his father or the estate of either of them;

(vii) any widow of his son or of a son of his predeceased son, so long as she does
not remarry; provided and to the extent that she is unable to obtain maintenance
from her husband's estate, or from her son or daughter, if any, or his or her estate; or
in the case of a grandson's widow, also from her father-inlaw's estate;

(viii) his or her minor illegitimate son, so long as he remains a minor;

(xi) his or her illegitimate daughter, so long as she remains unmarried.

22. Maintenance of dependents- (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2),
the heirs of a deceased Hindu are bound to maintain the dependents of the
deceased out of the estate inherited by them from the deceased.

(2) Where a dependent has not obtained, by testamentary or intestate succession,
any share in the estate of a Hindu dying after the commencement of this Act, the
dependent shall be entitled, subject to the provisions of this Act, to maintenance from
those who take the estate.

(3) The liability of each of the persons who take the estate shall be in proportion to
the value of the share or part of the estate taken by him or her.


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(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), no
person who is himself or herself a dependent shall be liable to contribute to the
maintenance of others, if he or she has obtained a share or part, the value of which
is, or would, if the liability to contribute were enforced, become less than what would
be awarded to him or her by way of maintenance under this Act.

23. Amount of maintenance- (1) It shall be in the discretion of the court to
determine whether any, and if so what, maintenance shall be awarded under the
provisions of this Act, and in doing so, the court shall have due regard to the
consideration set out in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), as the case maybe, so far
as they are applicable.

(2) In determining the amount of maintenance, if any, to be awarded to a wife,
children or aged or infirm parents under this Act, regard shall be had to-

(a) the position and status of the parties;
(b) the reasonable wants of the claimant;
(c) if the claimant is living separately, whether the claimant is justified in doing so;
(d) the value of the claimant's property and any income derived from such property,
or from the claimant's own earning or from any other source;
(e) the number of persons entitled to maintenance under this Act.

(3) In determining the amount of maintenance, if any, to be awarded to a
dependent under this Act, regard shall be had to-

(a) the net value of the estate of the deceased after providing for the payment of his
debts;
(b) the provision, if any, made under a will of the deceased in respect, of the
dependent;
(c) the degree of relationship between the two;
(d) the reasonable wants of the dependent;
(e) the past relations between the dependent and the deceased;


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(f) the value of the property of the dependent and any income derived from such
property, or from his or her earnings or from any other course;
(g) the number of dependents entitled to maintenance under this Act.

24. Claimant to maintenance should be a Hindu- No person shall be entitled to
claim maintenance under this Chapter if he or she has ceased to be a Hindu by
conversion to another religion.

25. Amount of maintenance may be altered on change of circumstances- The
amount of maintenance, whether fixed by a decree of court or by agreement either
before or after the commencement of this Act, may be altered subsequently if there
is a material change in the circumstances justifying such alteration.

26. Debts to have priority- Subject to the provisions contained in Section 27 debts
of every description contracted or payable by the deceased shall have priority over
the claims of his dependents for maintenance under this Act.

27. Maintenance when to be a charge- A dependent's claim for maintenance under
this Act shall not be a charge on the estate of the deceased or any portion thereof,
unless one has been created by the will of the deceased, by a decree of court, by
agreement between the dependent and the owner of the estate or portion, or
otherwise.

28. Effect of transfer of property on right or maintenance- Where a dependent
has a right to receive maintenance out of an estate and such estate or any part
thereof is transferred, the right to receive maintenance may be enforced agamst the
transferee if the transferee has notice of the right or if the transfer is gratuitous; but
not against the transferee for consideration and without notice of the right.

2. Muslim Law
Children have a duty to maintain their aged parents even under the Muslim law.
According to Mulla :


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(a) Children in easy circumstances are bound to maintain their poor parents,
although the latter may be able to earn something for themselves.
(b) A son though in strained circumstances is bound to maintain his mother, if the
mother is poor, though she may not be infirm.
(c) A son, who though poor, is earning something, is bound to support his father who
earns nothing.

According to Tyabji, parents and grandparents in indigent circumstances are
entitled, under Hanafi law, to maintenance from their children and grandchildren who
have the means, even if they are able to earn their livelihood. Both sons and
daughters have a duty to maintain their parents under the Muslim law. The
obligation, however, is dependent on their having the means to do so.

3. Christian And Parsi Law

The Christians and Parsis have no personal laws providing for maintenance for the
parents. Parents who wish to seek maintenance have to apply under provisions of
the Criminal Procedure Code.

4. PROTECTIONS UNDER CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE, 1973

125. Order for maintenance of wives, children and parents,
(1) If any person having sufficient means neglects or refuses to maintain—

(a) his wife, unable to maintain herself, or
(b) his legitimate or illegitimate minor child, whether married or not, unable to
maintain itself, or
(c) his legitimate or illegitimate child (not being a married daughter) who has attained
majority, where such child is, by reason of any physical or mental abnormality or
injury unable to maintain itself, or
(d) his father or mother, unable to maintain himself or herself, a Magistrate of the first
class may, upon proof of such neglect or refusal, order such person to make a
monthly allowance for the maintenance of his wife or such child, father or mother, at

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such monthly rate not exceeding five hundred rupees in the whole, as such
magistrate thinks fit, and to pay the same to such person as the Magistrate may from
time to time direct:

Provided that the Magistrate may order the father of a minor female child
referred to in clause (b) to make such allowance, until she attains her majority, if the
Magistrate is satisfied that the husband of such minor female child, if married, is not
possessed of sufficient means

(2) Such allowance shall be payable from the date of the order, or, if so ordered,
from the date of the application for maintenance

(3) If any person so ordered fails without sufficient cause to comply with the order,
any such Magistrate may, for every breach of the order, issue a warrant for levying
the amount due in the manner provided for levying fines, and may sentence such
person, for the whole, or any port of each month's allowance remaining unpaid after
the execution of the warrant, to imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
month or until payment if sooner made:
Provided that no warrant shall be issued for the recovery of any amount due
under this section unless application be made to the Court to levy such amount
within a period of one year from the date on which it became due:
Provided further that if such person offers to maintain his wife on condition of
her living with him, and she refuses to live with him, such Magistrate may consider
any grounds of refusal stated by her, and may make an order under this section
notwithstanding such offer, if he is satisfied that there is just ground for so doing

(4) No wife shall be entitled to receive an allowance from her husband under this
section if she is living in adultery, or if, without any sufficient reason, she refuses to
live with her, husband, or if they are living separately by mutual consent

(5) On proof that any wife in whose favour an order has been made under this
section is living in adultery, or that without sufficient reason she refuses to live with


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her husband, or that they are living separately by mutual consent, the Magistrate
shall cancel the order

5. National Policy For Older Persons 1999
In order to address the problems of the older persons The Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment has launched in the year 1999, A National Policy For Older
Persons. Its main features are as fallows:
 Old age Pension Scheme
 Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens
 Make PDS to reach older people
 Subsidy in healthcar, geriatrics care, mental health services, counselling
facilities
 Grants, land grant at concessional rates to NGIs and private hospitals to
provide economical and specialized care for the older person
 Earmarking 10% of the houses in housing schemes and easy access to loans
 Layout of housing colonies to be sensitive to the needs of the older persons
 Quick disposal of cases of property-transfer, mutation, property tax etc
 Assistance for constrction/maintenance of old age home, Daycare centers,
multi-service citizens center, out reach services, supply of disability related
aids and appliances etc
 Setting up a welfare fund for plder persons

6. THE MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR
CITIZENS ACT, 2007

 Under the act, maintenance application can be filed by parents and senior
citizens (above 60 years) unable to maintain himself/herself, against children
(not minor) or relatives (who would inherit and are in possession of the
property of the elderly ).


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 The maintenance application can be filed by the senior citizen or a parent or
any other person or organization authorized by him, if incapable of doing so
himself.
 The maintenance application can be filed either in the district where the
elderly resides, or where the children or relatives resides. Notices would be
sent and the proceedings should conclude within 90 days from the date of
service of the maintenance applicationon the children or relatives.
 The case would be referred for conciliation, if appropriate, before hearing. The
findings of the conciliation officer (who can be the maintenance officer.NGO
representative or anyone on behalf of the elderly) should be submitted to the
tribunal within a month. If an applicable settlement has been reached,
Tribunal shall pass an order according to that settlement.
 If, children or relatives are ordered by the Tribunal to pay maintenance to the
elderly, fail to comply, they are liableto a fine or imprisonment.
 Abandonment of the elderly is now a cognizable offence. Anyone responsible
for looking after or protecting the senior citizens, leaves him/her in any place
with the intention of wholly abandoning, shall be punished and fined.

 Role of NGO has also been legislated under the act e.g. for filling
maintenance application on behalf of the elderly if he/she is unable to do so
himself/herself, for reconciliation and reconciliation and representation of
his/her case if unable to do so and authorized someone else to represent and
facilitate.


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CHAPTER - 2
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLUM
There are an estimated 100 million older people in Indian, by 2050 the figure
is estimated to rise to 326 million (UN projections). In year 2011-2012 HelpAge
received 974 calls relating to Abuse, Violence and Disputes. During 2010, 92,865
persons over the age of 65 were victims of violent crime. In 2010, 585 people age 65
or older were murdered, or 4.5 percent of all murder victims.

With declining fertility, coupled with increase in life expectancy, the number of
older persons in population of India is expected to increase more than double from
71 million in 2001 to 173 million by 2026. Normally, males out-number females in
total population. But among population of elderly, the reverse is true. Population of
metros is large. They have huge floating population. A large fraction of their
population resides in ramshackle housing (slums) that surrounds high-rise
prosperous clusters. These factors promote violence and crime. Total population (in
lakh) of mega cities of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, for crime analysis
purpose, as per 2001 census, is 64.25, 127.91, 132.17 and 163.68 respectively.

United Nations (UN) statistics illustrate the explosive growth of aged
populations around the world. By 2050, for example, nearly 33 percent of the people
living in the world's most developed countries—those in North America, Western
Europe, and parts of Asia—will be at least 60 years old, up from less than 12 percent
in 1950.
According to the data available with Delhi police, the total number of senior
citizens registered with the Delhi police till June 15 this year is 13,147. The figure
was 12,788 in the year 2011. Most of the people either are not aware of the
registration procedure or do not pay attention.
Consider this, out of every 10 elderly couples in India; more than 6 are forced
by their children to leave their homes. With no place to go and all hopes lost, the
elderly have to resort to old age homes, which do not guarantee first class treatment.

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Every other day, we see news of parents being beaten up by their children, parents
and in laws being forced to do the house hold chores, being made to live in small
dungeon like rooms, their property being forcefully taken over by ambitious children.
There are 81million older people in India-11 lakh in Delhi itself. According to
an estimate nearly 40% of senior citizens living with their families are reportedly
facing abuse of one kind or another, but only 1 in 6 cases actually comes to light.
Although the President has given her assent to the Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents and Senior Citizens Act which punishes children who abandon parents with
a prison term of three months or a fine, situation is grim for elderly people in India.
Thus the children violets the various rights of their parents and the defense
Mechanism of senior citizens are very weak, so their many Human Rights are
violated. The main reason of this is the illiteracy and the unawareness of the law
between them. Senior Citizens are the soft target so they can easily Victimized.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to certain types of crime, including
elder abuse and financial fraud. Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or
negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of
harm to a vulnerable adult. All 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse
prevention laws. Elder abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation; or failure to intervene when an older
people fail to take care of themselves. These crimes are often unreported,
particularly because the victims may be dependent on the abusers.
Older people are also frequently targeted for financial fraud. In recent years,
reports to the Federal Trade Commission and National Consumers League have
significantly increased. Scams directed at seniors include fake check scams, the
grandparent scam (in which the scammer pretends to be a grandchild in financial
trouble), investment fraud, sweepstakes fraud, and identity theft.
The crime situation in India, according to N.S. Sexena, knows that crime and
violence against the aged are increasing. He further remarks that this statement can
neither be proved nor disproved on the basis of official statistics of crime as police do
not register a great deal of crime reported to it. A recent survey reveals that only 23

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per cent of crime ever gets reported and even out of cases that are reported only 72
per cent get registered (By the BPRD Report). Thus the Senior Citizens are
Victimized By the Police.
Senior citizens are victims of crimes against body, crimes against property,
economic crimes and even rape. According to Delhi police, relatives, domestic helps
and persons known to victims commit around 40 per cent of heinous crime against
senior citizens. In the present time victimization of Senior Citizens is increase day by
day, so this study finds out the different forms of victimization of senior citizen and
suggests the measures to reduce the victimization. This study finds out the living
condition and socio-economic conditions of Senior Citizens.
By studying this topic, it would be known that at what level the elderly are
suffering due to crime. How the abuse becomes crime and its effect on them. Since
the researcher belongs to police background, he is interested to do some study in
this field. The researcher hopes that at the end of the study he will be able to
contribute significantly to the protection of the elderly by suggesting simple measures
that will keep them away from danger.
The aim of the study is to search out the role of police in crime against senior
citizens in Delhi. The study will also reveal the problems generally faced by senior
citizens in daily life and the cause of their victimization.
Questions will be covered under this study are as fallows.
1. What is the Socio – Economic Condition of Senior Citizens?
2. What is the living condition of Senior Citizens?
3. What are the different forms of Victimization of Senior Citizens?
4. How we can reduce the Victimization of Senior Citizens?
5. How many Senior Citizens are aware about their Human Rights?
6. How this study is useful in present time?


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CHAPTER - 3
LITERATURE REVIEW
During last few decades‘ better healthcare facilities have led to significant
increase in life expectancy. Improved life expectancy combined with high growth rate
of population has contributed in increase in number of citizens not only in Delhi but
also in whole world. A good of studies have been undertaken on the problem and
human rights status of senior citizens.
Rachel H. Pain (1995) published his on ‗elderly women and fear of violent
crime‘. The study assesses existing explanations of the relationship between the risk
and fear of crime amongst elderly people. These have tended to assume an
incongruity between levels of fear and the chances of victimization. It is argued that
the significance of gender has previously been understated, and that the temporal
and spatial parameters to conceptualizations of ‗risk‘ have been unduly narrow.
Study reveals that, elderly women were no more concerned about violent crime than
younger women, and the nature of their concerns bore closer relation to risk.
Moreover, it is contended that domestic violence against elderly people is
considerably more prevalent than is generally acknowledged. It is argued that age
structured relationships be retained in analyses of fear of crime as a determinant of
actual rather than perceived risk.
Tomstan (1995), freaks and Himes Andersons et. Al. (2002), martire (2002)
conducted studies on family care givers, the relationship of care recipient with the
care givers and the intensity of care giving have woman‘s participation in personnel
family centered community activities. These studies applied theories from general
work and literature to dual roles of work and care giving.
McCoy (1996) presented a study on ―Life situation and older persons‘ fear of
crime‖. The study was based on a survey of 1,448 elderly residents of Dade County
(Miami), Florida. The impact of fear of crime on status characteristics, victimization
experience, and various measures of life situation were assessed. The study
concludes, firstly, in contrast to much academic and popular commentary, the elderly
did not appear to have high levels of fear. Secondly, evidence exists that

Page 21

victimization experience increases, but is not the main determinant of fear. Thirdly,
the inclusion of life situation variables markedly improved the explained variance for
both measures of fear of crime, thus supporting the utility of this line of inquiry.
Fourthly, consistent with previous studies, dissatisfaction with neighborhood and
vulnerability were important correlates of fear of crime
The study “Explaining Fear of Crime”, ( G. Andrews, 1998), construct a
model for explaining "fear" of crime by using the relevant literature to identify possible
factors and making out a prima facie case for each by examining data from the
second British Crime Survey. Using Logic analysis this model is tested on data
derived from the same survey. The study reveals that such factors as gender, age,
race, neighborhood cohesion, confidence in the police, levels of local incivility,
experience of victimization, and perception of risk and assessment of offence
seriousness all combine to form a theoretical account of "fear" which has strong
empirical support. On the basis of these findings, study concludes by making some
suggestions for policies to reduce this "fear".
According to N.S. Saxena (1999) in his study ‘Crime and Violence against
the Aged ‗, all those who have anything to do with crime situation in India know that
cases of crime and violence against the aged are increasing. The study covers
subjects like Concealment and Minimization of Crime, Crimes and Weaker Sections,
Increase in older people and their Problems, Misuse of Police (by politicians), Order
according to the Politics and Not according to the Law, Criminalization of Politics,
Increase in Corruption, Aged Safety Scheme etc.
The study criticizes the official statistics which shows the continuous decreases in
crime per lakh of the population. The study points out that, it is true that when crime
increases the weaker sections in the population is hit hardest and the aged are one
of those weaker sections who affected most. Owing to the decline in the joint family
systems many old people have to live alone or with younger members of the family,
who are out in day time due to their jobs. Thus the aged became a soft target to the
criminals. Unfortunately the criminals have become very bold because the criminal
justice system in India is so soft and dilatory that way few are punished.
Approximately a lakh of persons are murdered every year in India but not even one
hundred are hanged. While about 70% security of the aged depends on general

Page 22

improvement in the crime situation in India, yet a special scheme for the aged can be
drawn up in the cities.
The study suggests that there should be a close rapport between the Beat
police and the Special Police Officers in the area. And, for this there should be a
more honest police force, which is devoted to public service and is not oriented
simply to serve the elite and politicians in power.
Whitlaten et.al (2000) conducted a study about the stress process of family
care giving in institutional setting. The purpose of study adapts the stress process
modal of family care giving to examine the predictors of depression in a sample of
caregivers with demented relatives receding in sub urban skilled nursing facilities.
On 14 February 2000, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights of Argentina
created, under its auspices, the Latin American Crime and Justice Research
Institute, IIDEJUAL. The IIDEJUAL has as its long-term goal the creation of a
clearinghouse of data and information on crime and justice in the Latin American
region and collaborates with CICP.
J. A. Hollander (2001) in the study ‗Vulnerability and Dangerousness‘
suggests that beliefs and conceptions of gender are constructed and transmitted
through conversation. Using data from 13 focus groups, the study demonstrates that
ideas about gender and its relationship to vulnerability and danger are pervasive in
talk about violence, and that this talk is further marked by ideas about age, race,
social class, and sexual identity. These ideas are based, in part, on shared beliefs
about human bodies, which reinforce the perceived naturalness (and therefore the
invisibility) of these ideas. The study concludes with a discussion of the
consequences of these ideas for the daily lives of the elderly.
Penning (2001) conducted a study on health, social support and urbanization
of health services among senior citizens. The findings reveal differences depending
upon the type of support (instrumental, emotional) and type of services (medical,
hospital, homecare) involved.


Page 23

Krause (2001) conducted a study on the anticipated support, received
support and economic stress among older people. This study examines the interface
between anticipated support.
Robert A. Butterworth (2001) , Florida attorney general and Donald reneva,
chief executive officer of seniors vs crime project studied and concluded that ― with
Florida‘s explosive growth and the increase of the age of state‘s population have
come directed against senior citizens. Perhaps even important that raw numbers is
the psychological and emotional impact of crime on senior citizens. Aswan educates
law enforcement, social service, judiciary and other elements of our society, it is
critical that we also educate our senior citizens.
Sangmitra and Ilango (2002) conducted a study on the problems
experienced by caregivers of elderly patients with neurological disorders. The
purpose was to assess the types of care received and to analyze the problems
experienced by caregivers of elderly patients with neurological disorders. It is found
that the caregivers experience financial psychological physical social problems
because of providing care for them.
The Times of India survey (2004) reveal the fact that even the police
personnel ignore the elderly. In new Delhi more than 3700 citizens live alone and in
fear. Elderly think that they are surviving purely on God‘s mercy. Every day rings in a
new sense of fear. They look themselves inside early in the evening what don‘ts
open the door till late in morning. Senior police officers, however, refuse to believe
that senior citizens are not being looked after.
The study compares perceptions of insecurity and fear of crime in Scotland
and Iceland (Kristiansen, 2007) and shows how these perceptions are related to
social factors in the two countries. Independent samples t-tests and stepwise multiple
linear regression models are used to analyze comparable data from surveys in the
two countries. The regression models show that social integration and smaller
differences between households and neighborhoods in terms of income and class
are associated with greater perceptions of insecurity. The study therefore suggests
that perceptions of insecurity are higher in Scotland than in Iceland because Iceland's
population is more homogeneous, with stronger social integration, less pronounced

Page 24

class and income differentials, and less polarization between neighborhoods. The
wider implications for understanding perceptions of insecurity at different levels of
analysis (macro and meso) are also discussed.
These studies are covering some surveys on crimes, research on fear of
crime of elderly, legal support for the elderly, their vulnerable and dangerous
situation, violence, insecurity and role of mass media in prevention of crime etc.
These studies try to figure out the reasons for the crime against elderly. But the
studies are not dealing much with the measures to minimize the crime against the
elderly. It is the need of the hour to find adequate measures to prevent violence
against the vulnerable group of elderly.


Page 25

THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK
Crime against Senior citizens is the result of their life style, opportunities, and
routine activities. Crime against Senior citizens whether it is due to lack of their care
or due to their old age sickness that all can be explained by Routine Activity Theory.
Routine Activity Theory was first articulated in a series of papers by Lawrence
Cohan and Marcus Felson (1979). They concluded that the volume and distribution
of predatory crime (violent crimes against a person and crime in which an offender
attempts to steal an object directly) are closely related to the interaction of three
variables that reflect the Routine Activities of the typical Senior citizens life style.
 The availability of suitable targets, such as homes containing easily salable
goods.
 The absence of capable guardians, such as police, home honors neighbors,
neighbor‘s friends, and relatives.
 The presence of motivated offenders, such as a large number of unemployed
teenagers.
Routine activities theory provides a macro perspective on crime in that it predicts
how changes in social and economic conditions influence the overall crime and
victimization rate. Felson and Cohen (1980) postulate that criminal activities are a
―structurally significant phenomenon,‖ meaning that violations are neither random nor
trivial events (390). In consequence, it is the routine of activities people partake in
over the course of their day and night lives that makes some individuals more
susceptible to being viewed as suitable targets by a rationally calculating offender.
Routine activities theory relates the pattern of offending to the everyday patterns of
social interaction. Crime is therefore normal and is dependent on available
opportunities to offend. If there is an unprotected target and there are sufficient
rewards, a motivated offender will commit a crime.
In terms of suitable targets, the choice is influenced by the offender‘s perception
of the target‘s vulnerability; the more suitable and accessible the target, the more
likely that a crime will occur. The number of motivated criminals in the population
also affects crime levels. It is held that offenders are less likely to commit crimes if

Page 26

they can achieve personal goals through legitimate means. This implies that criminal
motivations can be reduced if offenders perceive that there are alternatives to crime.
Routine Activity Theory is bound up in opportunity and life style. A person living
arrangements can affect victim risk; people who live in unguarded areas are at the
mercy motivated offenders. Life style affects the opportunity for because it controls a
person‘s proximity to criminals, time of exposure to criminals, attractiveness as a
target, and ability to be protected.
The presence of capable guardians is also held to deter individuals from offending.
Guardianship can be the physical presence of a person who is able to act in a
protective manner or in the form of more passive mechanical devices such as video
surveillance or security systems. These physical security measures help limit an
offender‘s access to suitable targets. The essential aspect of routine activities theory
is the interaction of motivation, opportunity and targets. In this way, the presence of
guardians will deter most offenders, rendering even attractive targets off limits.
Therefore, the presence of opportunity coupled with a lack of guardianship increases
criminal motivations and the likelihood of an offence taking place.


Page 27


CHAPTER - 4
OBJECTIVES
I.

To study the Socio – Economic Condition of Senior Citizens.

II.

To study the Living Condition of Senior Citizens..

III.

To find out the different forms of Victimization of Senior Citizens.

IV.

To study the awareness and violation of Human Rights by Senior Citizens.

V.

To suggest remedial measures to minimize crimes against elderly.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study covers only those Senior Citizens who are living either alone or with their
own family members. The study purpose is to cover in its scope all the factors that
are responsible for elderly problems and elderly victimization.
The study covers the male Senior Citizens. The study covers Senior Citizens of
different age for example- 60-70 years; those are called the young old,70-80 years;
those are called the old old and 80 or above; those are called the oldest old. We are
taking all the age groups because most of the crimes are committed against the
senior citizen because they are the soft targets for committing crime. The study
covers in its preview all aspects of the elderly problems and their victimization.


Page 28

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
 Research Design: The present study is exploratory Research in nature,
because the aim of the research is to discover the ideas and insights about
this particular research topic.
 Universe of the Study: Senior citizens, their Family members, Community
Leaders and the Police officers constitute the universe of this study.
 Locale of the study: Delhi is selected for the purpose of study because Delhi
is a metropolitan city and the capital of our nation. A large number of old age
home is running either by government of Delhi or by NGO‘s. The composition
of the family in urban area like Delhi is becoming nuclear and smaller, as a
result of which there are fewer people available in the house to provide care
and comfort to the ageing. In this context, we see that the magnitude of the
problem is more in Delhi. If we see according to a researcher this is a short
time of research.
 Sources of Data Collection: The study requires both the primary and
secondary data.
o Primary Data - Primary data has been collected by the method of
Observation method and the interview schedule for Senior Citizens and
the interview Guide is used for the Police Officers.
o Secondary Data – Secondary data has been collected from various
books authored by Indian as well as foreign writers, National and
International journals, previous studies, articles, Internet and various
government documents.
 Sample Size: Sample size taken for the purpose of this study is 45. 40 senior
citizens are taken from different parks randomly. 5 Police officers are taken


Page 29

from the Police station of Delhi because of the lack of the time and to see the
study purpose and period.

Probability sampling will be used in which we use the Random sampling for
the collection of data which includes the senior citizens and the Police
officers.
 Research Tools for Data Collection: The following tool will be used for data
collection:o Observation method is used for the senior citizens.
o Interview schedule is used for the senior citizens.
o Interview Guide is used for police officers.

 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:
o The number of Senior Citizens & Police officers interviewed was so
less that we can‘t generalize the outcomes of the study.
o Since the data collection is done from different parks in Delhi where the
senior citizens come, therefore the findings can‘t be generalized to all
the senior citizens.
o The proper observation and timely follow up was not possible because
of the lack of time period for data collection, so this could be the major
limitation of the study.


Page 30


CHAPTER - 5
AGE GROUP OF SENIOR CITIZENS
Table 1
Age Group
60-70
71-80
80+
Total

Response
18
15
7
40

Percentage (%)
45
37
18
100

AGE GROUP
18
16
14
12
10

18

Series1

8

15

6
4

7

2
0
60-70 (45%)

71-80 (37%)

80+ (18%)

18 Senior Citizens is under the age of 60 to 70. 15 Senior Citizen is under the age of
71 to 80 and 7 senior Citizen is under the age of 80 and above 80. It means 45%
senior Citizens is under the age of 60 to 70 who are young old. 37% senior Citizens
is under the age of 71 to 80 who are old old and 18% are oldest old.


Page 31

FAMILY SIZE
Table 2
Total Members
1-3
4-6
7+
Total

Response
14
17
9
40

Percentage (%)
35
42
23
100

FAMILY SIZE

18
16
14
12
10

Series1

17
8

14

6
9
4
2
0
1-3 (35%)

4-6 (42%)

7+ (23%)

There are 1 to3 family members in the 14 senior citizens family, 4 to 6 family
members in the 17 senior citizens family and 7 and above 7 family members in the 9
senior citizens family. According to this 35% senior citizens have the neculare family,
42% senior citizens have 4 to 6 members, and 23% senior citizens have the joint
family.


Page 32

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
Table 3
Education
Illiterate
Primary
Elementary
10th
12th
Graduate
P.G.
Total

Response
4
0
0
6
10
15
5
40

Percentage (%)
10
0
0
15
25
37
13
100

EDUCATION
16
15
14
12
10

10

8
Series1
6

6
5

4

4

2
0

0
Illiterate
(10%)

0

Primary Elementary 10th (15%) 12th (25%) Graduate P.G. (13%)
(0%)
(0%)
(37%)

4 senior citizens is illiterate. 6 senior citizens are high school passed, 10 senior
citizens are intermediate passed, 15 are graduate and 5 are post graduate. It means
10% Senior citizens are illiterate, 15% Senior citizens high school passed, 25%
Senior citizens intermediate passed 37% are graduate and 13% are post graduate.


Page 33

OCCUPATION
Table 4
Occupation
Government job
Private job
Business
Agriculture
Any other
Total

Response
12
10
9
3
6
40

Percentage (%)
30
25
22
8
15
100

OCCUPATION

15%
30%
Government job(30%)

8%

Private job(25%)
Business (22%)
Agriculture (8%)
Any other(15%)

22%
25%

12 senior citizens are retired from Government Jobs, 10 senior citizens are doing the
Private Job, 9 senior citizens have their own Business, 3 senior citizens are in
Agriculture and 6 are in other jobs. According to this 30% senior citizens are retired
from Government Jobs, 25% senior citizens are doing the Private Job, 22% senior
citizens have their own Business, 8% senior citizens are in Agriculture and 15% are
in other jobs.


Page 34

INCOME
Table 5
Monthly Income (Rs.)
1000-5000
5000-10000
10000-15000
15000+
Total

Response
4
11
6
19
40

Percentage (%)
10
27
15
48
100

INCOME
PER MONTH
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

19
Series1

11
4

6

4 senior citizens‘ income is between 1000 to 5000 per month, 11 senior citizens‘
income is between 5000 to 10000, 6 senior citizens‘ income is between10000
to15000 and 19 senior citizens‘ income is between 15000 and above 15000.
According to this 10% senior citizens‘ income is between 1000 to 5000 per month,
27% senior citizens‘ income is between 5000 to 10000, 15% senior citizens‘ income
is between10000 to15000 and 48% senior citizens‘ income is between 15000 and
above 15000.


Page 35

SHARE INCOME WITH FAMILY
Table 6
Share income
Yes
No
Total

Response
23
17
40

Percentage (%)
57
43
100

SHARE INCOME

25

20

15

Series1
23

10

17

5

0
Yes(57%)

No(43%)

23 senior citizens share their income with their family and 17 senior citizens don‘t
share their income. According to this 57% senior citizens share their income with
their family and 43% senior citizens don‘t share their income.


Page 36

INTERACTIVE SOCIAL CIRCLE
Table 7
Social circle
Yes
No
Total

Response
25
15
40

Percentage (%)
62
38
100

SOCIAL CIRCLE

15
Yes(62%)

No(38%)
25

25 senior citizens said that they have a social circle of friends, nabourhood, and
businessman. 15 senior citizens said that they don‘t have any social circle.
According to this 62% senior citizens said that they have a social circle and 38%
senior citizens said that they don‘t have any social circle.


Page 37

KIND OF SOCIAL CIRCLE
Table 8
Kind of Social circle
Friends
Businessman
Nabourhood
Total

Response
11
5
9
25

Percentage (%)
44
20
36
100

Kind of Social Circle
12

10

8

6
11

Series1

9

4
5

2

0
Friends (44%)

Businessman(20%)

Nabourhood(36%)

25 senior citizens said that they have a social circle. Out of them 11 have the social
circle of friends, 5 have the social circle of businessman and 9 have the social circle
of nabourhood. According to this 44% have the social circle of friends, 20% have the
social circle of businessman and 36% have the social circle of nabourhood.


Page 38

MEMBER OF ANY SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OR RELIGIOUS
INSTITUTION
Table 9
Members of social org.
Yes
No
Total

Response
11
29
40

Percentage (%)
27
73
100

Member of any Org.

30
25
20
29

15

Series1

10
5

11

0
Yes(27%)

No(73%)

11 senior citizens were the members of the social organization or the religious
institutions and 29 senior citizens ware not the member of any social organization or
the religious institutions. If we see according to this 27% senior citizen are the
member of a social organization or the religious institutions and 73% senior citizen
are not the member of a social organization or the religious institutions.


Page 39

NATURE OF PARTICIPATION OF ORGANIZATION
Table 10
Nature of org.
Church
Any social welfare
Association
Meditation club
Particular own group
Total

Response
3
2

Percentage (%)
27
18

4
2
11

37
18
100

Nature of Org.
4.5
4

4

3.5
3

3

2.5
2

2

2

Series1

1.5
1
0.5

0
Church(27%)

Any social welfare
Association(18%)

Meditation club
(37%)

Particular own
group(18%)

Total 11 senior citizens are the member of a social organization or the religious
institutions. In these senior citizens 3 are the member of church, 2 are the member of
any social welfare association, 4 are the member of meditation club and 2 are from
particular own group. According to this 27% senior citizens are the member of
church, 18% senior citizens are the member of any social welfare association, 37%
senior citizens are the member of meditation club and 18% are the member of their
own particular group.


Page 40

OWN SHELTER
Table 11
Own shelter
Yes
No
Total

Response
29
11
40

Percentage (%)
72
28
100

Own Shelter
35
30
25
20
15

Series1

29

10
11

5
0
Yes(72%)

No(28%)

29 senior citizens have their own shelter and 11 senior citizens lives with their
daughter, Close relatives and some senior citizens are going to the old age homes in
day time. If we see these figures then we know that 72% senior citizens have their
own shelter and 28% senior citizens lives with their daughter and close relatives.


Page 41

YOU LIVING THERE
Table 12
Living there
Yes
No
Total

Response
16
8
24

Percentage (%)
67
33
100

Living There

9

No(31%)

Series1

20

Yes(69%)

0

5

10

15

20

29 out of 40 senior citizens have their own shelters. 20 senior citizens are living in
their own shelters and 9 are not living there. To see this we know that 69% senior
citizens are living in their own shelters and 31% are not living there.


Page 42

YOUR WIFE IS A CO-OPERATIVE LADY
Table 13
Co-operative wife
Yes
No
Total

Response
31
9
40

Percentage (%)
77
23
100

Co-operative Wife

23%

77%

Yes(77%)
No(23%)

31 out of 40 senior citizens said that their wife are the co-operative lady and 9 said
that their wife not co-operate them some times. According to this 77% senior citizens
said that their wives are co-operative lady and 33% said that some times their wife
doesn‘t co-operate them.


Page 43

PROBLUMS YOUFACING WITH YOUR WIFE
Table 14
Problem facing
Domestic violence
Financial problems
Problems related to
children
Total

Response
2
4
3

Percentage (%)
22
45
33

9

100

Problum facing
4
3.5
3
2.5
4

2

3

1.5
1

Series1

2

0.5
0
Domestic
violence(22%)

Financial
problems(45%)

Problems related to
children(33%)

In the 40 senior citizens 9 have some problems with their wife. 2 senior citizens have
the problem of domestic violence, 4 senior citizens have the financial problems and 3
have the problems related to their children. 22% senior citizens have the domestic
violence problem, 45% have the financial problems and 33% have the problems
related to their children.


Page 44

RELATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Table 15
Relation with children
Very supportive
Supportive
Unsupportive
Very Tensed
Total

Response
8
6
15
11
40

Percentage (%)
20
15
37
28
100

Relation with children
16
15
14
12
11
10
8

8
Series1

6

6

4
2
0
Very
supportive(20%)

Supportive (15%)

Unsupportive (37%)

Very Tensed(28%)

8 senior citizens said that they have very supportive relation with their children, 6
senior citizens have supportive relation, 15 senior citizens have unsupportive relation
and 11 has very tensed relation with their children. To see this we can say that 20%
senior citizens have very supportive relation with their children, 15% have supportive
relation, 37% have unsupportive relation and 28% has very tensed relation with their
children.

Page 45

IF SUPPORTIVE DO THEY HELP YOU
Table 16
Children help you
Yes
No
Total

Response
10
4
14

Percentage (%)
71
29
100

They Help You

4

No(29%)

Series1

10

Yes(71%)

0

2

4

6

8

10

Total 14 senior citizens told that their children are very supportive and supportive. In
this 10 senior citizens said that their children help them and 4 senior citizens said
that their children don‘s help them. According to this 71% senior citizens said that
their children help them when they need help and 29% senior citizens said that their
children don‘t help them.


Page 46

WHO ATTENDS YOU AT HOME
Table 17
Attend at home
Wife
Son
Daughter
Total

Response
23
11
6
40

Percentage (%)
57
28
15
100

Who attends You

6

Daughter (15%)

11

Son(28%)

Series1

23

Wife(57%)

0

5

10

15

20

25

23 senior citizen said that when they are not well their wife attends them, 11 said that
their son attend them and 6 said that their daughter attend them at home. To see this
figure we can say that 57% senior citizens wife attend them, 28% senior citizens son
attend them and 15% senior citizens daughter attend them at home when they are
not well.


Page 47

PROPER FOOD, CLOTHING & MEDICAL CARE
Table 18
Proper food & clothing
Yes
No
Total

Response
29
11
40

Percentage (%)
72
28
100

Food and Clothing

28%

Yes(72%)
No(28%)

72%

29 senior citizens get proper food, clothing and medical care facilities but 11 senior
citizens have the problems in these facilities. 72% senior citizens get proper food,
clothing and medical care facilities but 28% senior citizens have the problems in
these facilities.


Page 48

FEEL LONLEY
Table 19
Feel lonely
Yes
No
Total

Response
5
35
40

Percentage (%)
12
88
100

Feel Lonley

35
30
25
20

35

Series1

15
10
5

5

0
Yes(12%)

No(88%)

5 senior citizens feel lonely some times and 35 senior citizens feel good in their life.
According to this 12 % senior citizens feel lonely in their life and 88% are feeling
good in their life.


Page 49

WHOME DOSE YOU LIKE MOST
Table 20
Like most
Son
Daughter
Grandchildren
Total

Response
7
4
29
40

Percentage (%)
17
10
73
100

Like Most
30
25
20
29

15

Series1

10
5

7

4

0
Son (17%)

Daughter (10%)

Grandchildren(73%)

7 senior citizens said that they feel good to see his son, 4 senior citizens said that
they like his daughter most and 29 (maximum) senior citizens said that they like their
grandchildren very much. 17% senior citizens said that they like his son most, 10%
senior citizens said that they fell good to see his daughter and 73% senior citizen
said they like their grandchildren very much.


Page 50

FACING PROBLEM WHILE TRAVELLING
Table 21
Problem in travelling
Yes
No
Total

Response
13
27
40

Percentage (%)
32
68
100

Facing Problum in Travelling

30
25
20
Series1

15

27

10
13
5
0
Yes(32%)

No(68%)

13 senior citizens are facing problem while travelling in the bus, metro, train and
other public transport.27 senior citizens are not facing problem while travelling. It
means 32% senior citizens are facing problem while travelling and 68%of senior
citizens are not facing problem while travelling.


Page 51

PUBLIC MISBEHAVE WITH YOU WHILE TRAVELLING
Table 22
Public misbehave
Yes
No
Total

Response
8
32
40

Percentage (%)
20
80
100

Public Misbehave with you

32

No (80%)

Series1

8

Yes (20%)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Only 8 senior citizens said that the public misbehave with them while travelling in the
bus, metro and public transport. 32 senior citizens said those publics don‘t
misbehave with them. Only 20% senior citizens said that the public misbehave with
them while travelling in the bus, metro and public transport and 80% said that public
don‘t misbehave while they travelling.


Page 52

VICTIM OF CRIME
Table 23
Victim of crime
Yes
No
Total

Response
14
26
40

Percentage (%)
35
65
100

Victime of crime

30
25
20
Series1

15

26

10
14
5
0

Yes (35%)

No (65%)

Out of 40 senior citizens 14 are the victim of crime and 26 are not the victim of crime.
According to this 35% senior citizens are the victim of crime and 65% senior citizens
are not the victim of crime.


Page 53

SPECIFY THE NATURE
Table 24
Nature of crime
Theft
Snatching
Robbery
Total

Response
5
7
2
14

Percentage (%)
36
50
14
100

Nature of crime
8
7

7

6

5

5

4
Series1
3
2

2

1
0
Theft (36%)

Snatching (50%)

Robbery (14%)

Out of 40 senior citizens 14 is the victim of crime in which 5 senior citizens registered
the FIR in police station. In 14 victims 5 are the victim of theft, 7 are the victim of
snatching and 2 are the victim of robbery. In which 36% are the victim of theft, 50%
are the victim of snatching and 14% are the victim of robbery.


Page 54

REGISTERED F.I.R. IN POLICE
Table 25
Registered FIR
Yes
No
Total

Response
5
9
14

Percentage (%)
36
64
100

Registered FIR

36%
Yes (36%)
No (64%)
64%

Out of 40 senior citizens 14 are the victim of crime. In the 14 senior citizens only 5
senior citizens registered the FIR in the police station, and the other 9 senior citizens
don‘t register the FIR in the Police. If we see this then we know that only 36% senior
citizens registered the FIR in the police station, and the other 64% senior citizens
don‘t register the FIR in the Police station.


Page 55

REACTION OF POLICE
Table 26
Reaction of police
Supportive
Unsupportive
Total

Response
1
4
5

Percentage (%)
20
80
100

Reaction of Police

4
3.5
3
2.5
4

2

Series1

1.5
1
1

0.5
0

Supportive (20%)

Unsupportive (80%)

Out of 40 senior citizens 14 is the victim of crime in which 5 senior citizens registered
the FIR in police station. In the 5 senior citizens only 1 find the supportive reaction of
police and the other 4 don‘t find the supportive reaction of police. It means only 20%
senior citizen find the supportive reaction of police and 80% finds the unsupportive
reaction of police.


Page 56

YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Table 27
Know your rights
Yes
No
Total

Response
13
27
40

Percentage (%)
32
68
100

Know Your Rights

30
25
20
Series1

15

27

10
13
5
0
Yes (32%)

No (68%)

Out of 40 only 13 senior citizens know their rights and 27 senior citizens don‘t know
their rights. Only 32% senior citizens know their rights and 68% don‘t know their
rights.


Page 57

RAISED VOICE AGAINST YOUR RIGHTS VIOLATED BY OTHERS
Table 28
Raised voice
Yes
No
Total

Response
7
33
40

Percentage (%)
17
83
100

Raised Voice

33

No (83%)

Series1

7

Yes (17%)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Out of 40 only 7 senior citizens raised voice for their rights. And 33 senior citizens
don‘t raised voice against their rights, because most of them don‘t know their rights.
So only 17% senior citizens rose voiced and 83% senior citizens don‘t raised voiced
for their rights.


Page 58

Police officers
HANDLE ANY CASE OF SENIOR CITIZEN
TABLE 29
Handle any case
1-3
3+
Total

Response
4
1
5

Percentage (%)
80
20
100

Case Handle

4
3.5
3
2.5
2

Series1

4

1.5
1
1

0.5
0
1-3 (80%)

3+ (20%)

4 police officers handle 1 to 3 cases of senior citizens and 1 police officer handle 3 or
above 3 cases related to senior citizens. It means that 80% police officers handle 1
to 3 cases of senior citizens and 20% police officer handle 3 and above 3 cases of
senior citizens.


Page 59

ANY MEETING CONDCTING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
TABLE 30
Meeting conducting
Yes
No
Total

Response
0
5
5

Percentage (%)
0
100
100

Meeating Conducting
0%

Yes (0%)

No (100%)
100%

According to the police officers there is no routine meeting conducting for the senior
citizens to give them the skills that how to prevent the crime and how to save
themselves.


Page 60

DIFFERENT SECTION OF POLICE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
TABLE 31
Different section of
police
Yes
No
Total

Response

Percentage (%)

2
3
5

40
60
100

Diffrent Section of Police

40%
Yes (40%)
No (60%)
60%

2 police officers told that there is a different section of police for the senior citizens. 3
police officers told that there is no separate section of police for the senior citizens.


Page 61

ANY SPECIAL SECURITY PROGRAM FOR THEM
TABLE 32
Security programs
Yes
No
Total

Response
4
1
5

Percentage (%)
80
20
100

Security Programes

4
3.5
3
2.5
2

Series1

4

1.5
1
1

0.5
0
Yes (80%)

No (20%)

4 out of 5 police officers said that there are different security programs for the senior
citizens, and 1 police officer said that there is no security program. 80% police
officers said that there are different security programs and 20% police officers said
that there is no security program.


Page 62

ANY ARRANGEMENT OF COUNSELING
TABLE 33
Counseling
Yes
No
Total

Response
2
3
5

Percentage (%)
40
60
100

Counseling

3

No (60%)

Series1

2

Yes (40%)

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3 Out of 5 police officers said that there are no counseling services provided to the
senior citizens who are the 60% of total police officers interviewed. 2 police officers
said that counseling service are provided to the senior citizens who are the 40% of
total police officers.


Page 63


CHAPTER - 6
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
 If we see the family type 35% senior citizens are from the nuclear family and
23% senior citizens are from the joint family. There are some senior citizens
whose son are not living with them because of the jobs so they live with their
daughters or any other relatives. If we see the education level then 37%
senior citizens are graduate and 25% are intermediate. Most of the senior
citizens are above intermediate.
 30% senior citizens are retired from government jobs and 25% senior citizens
are doing the private jobs. 48% senior citizens are getting15000 and above
the monthly income and the 57% senior citizens are share their income with
their family members like with their son and daughter or others members of
the family.
 62% senior citizens have their interactive social circle; mainly they have the
friend‘s social circle which is 44%. They share some times their problems with
their friends. 27% senior citizens are the members of a social or religious
organization like church, any social welfare association or the meditation club
etc, they go there and feel good.
 72% senior citizens have their own shelter in which 67% senior citizens are
living there, 33% senior citizens are living with their daughters and with some
close relatives or sometimes they went to the old age homes in the day time.
 Most of the wives are co-operative lady, 77% senior citizens said that their
wife is a co-operative lady and only 27% senior citizens said that that their
wife are not co-operative lady because of some reasons for ex. Domestic
violence and some financial problems.
 37% senior citizens don‘t have good relation with their children and 28%
senior citizens have very tensed relation with their children only 35% senior
citizens have good relation with their children. 71% senior citizens said that
their children help them when they needed. Sometimes when they are not
well mostly their wife (57%) take care them.
 72% senior citizens get proper food, clothing and medical care when they are
not well. Only 12% senior citizens are feeling lonely some times. Mainly 73%

Page 64

senior citizens are liked their grandchildren and want to spent their free time
with their grandchildren.
 Mostly the senior citizens travel by their own cars but sometimes when they
travel by the bus, metro and public transport then 32% senior citizens facing
problems in these transport. 20% senior citizens said that sometimes public
misbehave with them.
 35% senior citizens are the victim of different type of crime in which 36%
senior citizens registered the FIR and the reaction of police was mostly
unsupportive. Police do not support the senior citizens. 32% Out of 100%
senior citizens know about their rights. Mostly 68% senior citizens don‘t know
their rights. Only 17% senior citizens raised voice for their rights.
 80% police officers handle 1 to 3 cases related to the senior citizens. There is
no meeting conducting for the senior citizens. 40% police officers told that
there is a different section of police for senior citizens. 80% senior citizens
said that there are many security programs are running for the security of
senior citizens. Only 40% police officer said that there is an arrangement for
the counseling service for senior citizens.


Page 65


CHAPTER - 7
SUGGESTIONS
Analysis of crime against senior citizens has shown that they have been victimized
by government organizations, their family members, relatives and other persons
finding them easy targets for depriving them of their cash and valuables. Hence, it
becomes imperative for the elderly to take precautions for the safety of their life and
property. Some of the methods can be adopted to prevent crimes are:
 Install good locks/auto locks on doors and windows. Also, use door chains,
magic eye and strong grills on the doors and

windows. The rear courtyard

should be covered and front and rear lights should be switched on at night.
 If any stranger enters the house (or found loitering around the house),first
ensure personal safety by locking yourself inside a room and immediately
inform the police control room and the local police station/beat staff giving
clear address of your house. Mobile phone would be useful under such
situation.
 Give intimation to local police station or the beat staff.
 Whenever alone in the house for a long period of time or out of town.
 Take initiative for the police verification of servants, drivers, chowkidars,
tenants etc.
 Take services of causal laborers like painters, carpenters, plumbers,
electrician, AC/Refrigerator/TV mechanics etc. only after prior personal
verification or on the recommendation of any known person or the RWA.
 If a person visiting you poses as a representative, salesman, etc., demand
identification and credentials be slipped under the

door. Call the employer

to verify the business. Immediately inform the police if you find anything
suspicious.
 While sleeping, keep the door of your room locked from inside.
 Never keep large amount of cash and jewellery at home. Keep caring
attitudes towards your servants but never allow them to be very close.
 Go for installation of neighborhood alarm system.
 Maintain good neighborly relations for spontaneous help.


Page 66

 Keep watchful eyes over the activities of laborers working in your
neighborhood.
 Keep

telephone

numbers

of

local

police/police

Helpline/emergency

services/neighbors etc. so that in case of any mishap immediate help could be
sought.
 Use a safety latch to allow only partial opening of the door.
 Always go out in a group for evening/morning walk.
 Be in touch with the beat police officer, keep his telephone number ready.
 Keep photograph and finger prints of servants.
 Keep an eye on visitors of your servant.
 Don‘t boast of your prosperity to anyone.
 Don‘t make an ostentatious display of cash and jewellery.
 Don‘t trust strangers and don‘t open the door to unidentified people.
 Don‘t ignore any suspicious incident. Inform police
 Don‘t allow your servant‘s visitors to stay with him.

Some other methods usually followed by various law-enforcing agencies
around the globe to prevent crimes are mentioned here.
Police Beats:
Police Beats provide a strong, localized policing presence in residential areas,
shopping centers and central business districts to prevent and reduce crime. It is a
good factor that our police are also doing it but should be improved.
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a programme organized by the community in order to
reduce residential crime. Householders are encouraged to join together in small
informal groups for the purpose of improving the safety of their families and other
neighborhood residents


Page 67


CHAPTER - 8
CONCLUSION

When we see the findings then we come to know that senior citizens are victimized
at different stages. Senior citizens are victimized by their family members for
example they are victimized by their son, daughter, and wife and sometimes by the
close relatives. According to the findings when they was the victim of crime and they
do not registered any FIR this is also a category of victimization and when they
registered the FIR and the action of police was not supportive this is also a category
of their victimization. Today senior citizens are victimized in the public transport and
in the different organizations. Most of the senior citizens do not know their rights and
they are victimized by this cause some times. Sometimes senior citizens know their
rights but they do not raised voice when someone violated their rights.
Senior citizens are the soft target so they victimized easily. Mainly the family
members victimized to the senior citizens. Most of the senior citizens are good
financially but they don‘t have their salary because the family members takes the
salary from them so the financial condition of senior citizens are not good because
they do not have their income so the economic condition of senior citizens are not
good but the social condition is good. The living condition of senior citizens is not so
good because they are victimized in their own house also.
To reduce the victimization of senior citizens we should implement the law very
strictly and there are some moral things also. If we fallow those morals then the
victimization of senior citizens will be reduced. Children behave with their parents
very rudely but they forgot that they also come in that age.
But still a lot has to be done because in this cut throat competition children are
forgetting that they have been brought in this world by them and they should not
forget that some day they will be in their shoes. As said:
“DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOUR PARENTS, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF IN
THEIR PLACE........”
By Compton Burnett Dame Lvy

Page 68


CHAPTOR - 9
Appendix - 1
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
1. Name
2. Age
i.

60-70

ii.

71-80

iii.

80+

3.
No. of

Education

members

Occupation

Income

level

Self
Wife
Daughter
Son
Daughter in
law

4. Do you share your income with your family members?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

5.1.Do you have your interact social circle?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

5.2.If yes, what kind of social circle?
---------------------


Page 69

6.1.Are you a member of any social organization or religious institution?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

6.2.If yes, please specify the nature of participation of organization?
----------------------7.1.Do you have your own shelter?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

7.2.Are you living there?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

8.1.Is your wife a co-operative lady?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

8.2.If no, what type of problems you are facing with your wife?
------------------------9.1.How do you assess your relation with your children?
i.

Very supportive

ii.

Supportive

iii.

Unsupportive

iv.

Very Tensed

9.2.If supportive do they help you ?
i.

Yes

ii.

No


Page 70

10.When you are not well who attends you at home?
--------------------------11.Do you get proper food, clothing, and medical care?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

12.Do you feel lonely some time?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

13. Whom does you like most at home?
-------------------------14.Do you face any problem while travelling?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

15.When you travelling in a public transport, public misbehave with you?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

16.1.Have you ever been a victim of crime?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

16.2.If yes, specify the nature of case?
------------------------------17.1.After victimization do you registered an FIR in police?
i.

Yes

ii.

No


Page 71

17.2.If yes, what was the reaction of police?
i.

Supportive

ii.

Unsupportive

18.Do you know as a senior citizen what are your rights?
i.

Yes

ii.

No

19.Did you ever raise voice against your rights violated by others?
i.

Yes

ii.

No


Page 72

Appendix - 2
INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR POLICE
Name:
Designation:
Place/Area:
1. Do you handle any case related to the senior citizens?
2. Any meeting conducted for senior citizens?
3. Should there be a different section of police officers for senior citizens?
4. Any special security programs for them?
5. Any arrangement for counseling services?


Page 73

Appendix - 3
REFERENCE


Ahmad N.I., Abbas S. (1993), A Study on family care of elderly.



Bureau of Justice statistics, Department of Justice, a National Survey



Krause (2001), Study on the anticipated support and received support.



Penning (2001), A study on health, and health services.



Robert A. Butterworth, senior vs Crime Project 2001.



Sangmitra and ilango (2002) Problems experienced by caregivers.



Tomstan (1995), A Study on relationship of elderly caregivers.



Whitlaten et.al; (2000), A study on stress process of caregivers.



McCoy, H.V. (1996), ―Life situation and older persons' fear of crime‖, Journal
of Criminal Justice, Volume 24, Issue 3, pp.191-205.



Saxena, N.S. (1999), ―Crime and Violence against the Aged‖, Understanding
Graying People of India, ICSSR, Inter- India Publications, New Delhi,.



Hollander, J. A. ( 2001) ‖Vulnerability And Dangerousness‖, Gender &
Society, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp.83-109.



Kristiansen, A. L.(2007), ― Social Equality and Perceptions of Insecurity-A
Comparison Study between Two European Countries‖, European Journal of
Criminology, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp.59-86.



Siegel, Larry J. Criminology: Theories, Patterns and Typologies, 9th edition,
Thomson Wadsworth Publication.2007 p. 78.



http://legalservicesindia.com/article/article/victims-rights-in-india-1315-1.html



Kapoor S.K., International Law and Human Rights, Central Law Agency.



The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.



Bare Acts, Cr.P.C. 1973, H.A.M.A. 1956, Indian Constitution.



Project on Rising Crimes against Elderly People and Responsibility of Police
in Metros, Group for Economic & Social Studies, September 2009.



U.N. Department Bureau of Justice Statistics.



http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/93708052-3d8a-45b7-99b9
30dccb2289b8/Cross.aspx.



U N Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse
of Power.


Page 74

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