Bengaluru :On the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
(WEAAD) 2026, the Elders Helpline, a joint initiative of the Bengaluru City Police and
Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), organized a multi-stakeholder programme today at the
Conference Hall of the Police Commissioner’s Office, Bengaluru. The event brought
together over 150 participants, including senior citizens, officials from Bengaluru City
Police, the Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, the
District Legal Services Authority, the Revenue Department, senior citizen forums, civil
society organizations, youth representatives, and community members to deliberate on the
growing issue of elder abuse and identify collaborative solutions.
A three-year impact study conducted by the Elders Helpline covering the period
2023–2026 was presented during the programme. The study revealed that nearly 68% of
complaints received by the Helpline involved abuse by family members, with psychological
abuse emerging as the most prevalent form of mistreatment. Analysis of written complaints
showed that 42% of the perpetrators were children (sons or daughters), while 29% were
daughters-in-law.
The findings underscore the growing challenges arising from changing family
dynamics and intergenerational relationships. Factors such as caregiving stress, financial
pressures, dependency concerns, property-related disputes, and communication gaps often
contribute to strained family relationships, increasing the vulnerability of older persons to
abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.
Since its inception, the Elders Helpline has handled over 2.89 lakh calls and visits and
has provided more than 47,000 counselling interventions, reflecting both the scale of need
and the critical role of dedicated support services for senior citizens.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri B. Ramesh, IPS, Joint Commissioner of
Police (East), Bengaluru City Police. In his inaugural address, he highlighted community
policing initiatives such as “Aasare” (Support) and “Mane Manege Police” (Police at the
Doorstep), which aim to enhance outreach and support for vulnerable citizens, including
senior citizens.
The Guest of Honour, Shri Srinivas Y. Aladarthi, Joint Director, Department for
Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, spoke about various welfare
schemes available for senior citizens and emphasized the need to improve awareness and
access to these support systems.
In her presidential address, Dr.Radha S. Murthy, Managing Trustee, Nightingales
Medical Trust, highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by older persons and stressed
the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and community engagement in developing
sustainable solutions to address elder abuse.
The inaugural session was followed by a panel discussion titled “Elder Abuse in
Families and Communities: Understanding the Pain, Pressures, and Possible Solutions.”
Moderated by eminent gerontologist Dr. Indira Jai Prakash, the discussion brought together
representatives from Bengaluru City Police, the Department for Empowerment of Differently
Abled and Senior Citizens, the District Legal Services Authority, and the Revenue
Department.
The panel explored the underlying causes of elder abuse, including changing family
structures, caregiving burdens, financial stress, social isolation, declining social support
networks, and weakening intergenerational relationships.
Shri Jayamadhav, Special Deputy Commissioner, Senior Citizen Court, spoke about
the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007,
highlighting both its strengths and the challenges encountered in securing timely relief for
older persons.
Dr.Priyadarshini Sonikoppa, Assistant Commissioner of Police, discussed the
Karnataka State Police App and community policing initiatives such as Aasare and Mane
Manege Police, emphasizing their role in enhancing the safety, protection, and well-being of
senior citizens.
Ms.Vanishree, Senior Advocate, District Legal Services Authority, outlined the range
of services offered by the DLSA, including legal aid, mediation, and alternative dispute
resolution mechanisms that assist senior citizens in resolving legal and family disputes.
Shri Ramesh, Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens,
highlighted various welfare schemes of the department and stressed the importance of
improving digital literacy among senior citizens to protect them from frauds and
cybercrimes.
The discussion emphasized the need to strengthen family support systems, expand
access to counselling and legal aid services, sensitize frontline officials, and promote early
intervention through community-based outreach mechanisms. Panelists also underscored the
importance of stronger convergence among the police, welfare departments, legal services
authorities, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to create a comprehensive
support ecosystem for older persons.
The findings of the impact study serve as a timely reminder that many senior citizens
continue to suffer in silence and that responsive, accessible, and coordinated support systems
are essential to safeguarding their dignity, rights, and well-being.
The Elders Helpline (1090) reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the
Bengaluru City Police, government departments, legal authorities, and community
stakeholders to strengthen protection and support services for senior citizens.