Barney Henderson
Nearly 200 people, young and old, joined hands to form a human chain across Shivaji Park to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday.
Nearly 40 per cent pensioners living with their families are physically or mentally abused, but only one out of every six cases is recorded, according to Silver Innings, a non-governmental organisation that works for elders' rights. Silver Innings also organised a talk to make young people aware that society's most vulnerable are being victimised.
"There is a widespread attitude among younger people that once someone turns 60, they are of no use, said Sailesh Mishra, founder president of Silver Innings. "We must work to change such attitudes. It is encouraging that nearly half of the human chain was made up by young people. Awareness is the first step. We also need inter-generation programmes and counselling so that each generation can relate to different age groups."
Members of the NGO Silver Innings on Sunday morning at Shivaji Park.Braving the rain, several seniors spoke about the abuse they have been subjected to by younger generations, and often by their own families. They said there is a lack of respect for seniors and that the young make no time to relate to their elders.
The event also provided a platform for victims to come forward. For instance, Siddika Belgaum, a 75-year old woman from Santacruz, told Silver Innings that she was being harassed by her family over property. The NGO will investigate her case.
"A lot needs to be done to help victims who do not speak out," said Mishra. "Often, people just ignore the abuse because they think it's a family problem. However, because of the rise of nuclear families, particularly in Mumbai, the levels of abuse will only get worse unless the government takes action."
Silver Innings is running a month-long online petition campaign seeking a specific law to combat elder abuse and a national helpline for elderly victims.
barney.henderson@hindustantimes.com
© HT Media Ltd. 2007.
