Daughters-in-law and sons as tormentors

KOCHI: Elderly persons in India face more abuse by their own family members than by those outside home.

And, sons and daughters-in-law are the main abusers at home.

These are the findings of a study on elder abuse in India conducted by HelpAge India, an NGO working with elder people, in eight cities.

One-third of the elderly persons faced abuse over property. But rarely do they complain to the police.

About 14 per cent faced physical abuse.

Over 40 per cent of the older people complained they were disrespected and they considered this as abuse. Another nearly 40 per cent faced verbal abuse.