Survey was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in 7 Major Locations

CHANDIGARH: A survey conducted by NGO HelpAge India found that at least 28 percent of elderly women in Chandigarh are victims of physical abuse, 35 percent are victims of verbal abuse and 44 percent are victims of humiliation.

The survey was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in seven major locations namely Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

The survey released by SSP (UT) Kanwardeep Kaur on Wednesday also showed that sons are the main perpetrators of abuse (33 percent), followed by other relatives (33 percent), which is a disturbing trend as it indicates that the abuse extends beyond the immediate family circle. The survey also revealed that at least 20 percent of the criminals are daughter-in-laws.

The survey found that despite experiencing abuse, 18 percent of older women do not report incidents due to "fear of retaliation or further abuse." At least 17 percent of abused women have no awareness of available resources while 20 percent feel their concerns are not taken seriously, the survey said.

At least 26 percent of older women surveyed are concerned about physical harm, 69 percent are "fear of falling" and 56 percent are concerned about injury due to poor eyesight. The survey states that 25 percent of elderly women lack awareness about the prevention methods available to deal with any form of abuse. It also revealed that only three percent are aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act and 98 percent of them are not aware of any government welfare schemes.

Their social status added to their difficulties, with 7% of older women saying that they had faced discrimination because of their gender and 17% facing social discrimination because of their marital status. On the financial front, 33 percent of older women do not feel financially secure and 67 percent "do." The survey said that while 76 percent depend on their children for finances, 69 percent of elderly women in Chandigarh have no assets and 76 percent have no savings.