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Gender-Based Violence Against Elderly People

  • rasika773
  • Dec 9, 2025
  • 8 min read

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on Understanding Gender-Based Violence in Older Adults. Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid. What you, as a bystander, are going through while supporting a survivor is absolutely okay and typical too!  If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."



Written by: Samyuktha Sairam


Gender-based violence (GBV) against older adults is widespread. According to United Nations statistics, approximately 1 in 6 individuals over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse. Rates of elder abuse have increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Many such facilities face staffing shortages and infrastructural challenges, which can contribute to neglect and abuse (World Health Organization, 2024). These figures are likely under-reported, as older adults often encounter barriers when attempting to report GBV. Ageist stereotypes, memory or recall difficulties, and communication challenges all make it harder for elderly individuals to speak about their experiences (Jandu et al., 2024).


In India, people over 60 accounted for more than 12% of the population as of 2020 (Srivastava & Muhammad, 2020). Researchers note that rates of violence against older adults are likely to rise alongside the growing elderly population. Cultural expectations in India often shape family dynamics: traditionally, the care invested in children is expected to be reciprocated when parents age. However, when older adults are perceived as a burden, they may experience neglect or mistreatment by their adult children.


GBV among older adults is strongly associated with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and reduced life satisfaction, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, support systems, and protective interventions.


Types of Gender-Based Violence in Older Adults

GBV among older adults can generally be categorized into three main types, though overlap is common, especially among older women:

  1. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Abuse or neglect—financial, physical, sexual, or verbal—perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner.

  2. Family Member Violence: Abuse or neglect—financial, physical, sexual, or verbal—by a family member or someone with whom the older adult shares a bond of kinship.

  3. Caregiver Abuse: Neglect or intentional acts that place the older adult at risk of harm, which may be physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal in nature (GBV Learning Network, 2018).

Risk Factors for GBV in Older Adults

Gender-based violence in older adults does not result from a single cause but arises from multiple risk factors that exploit vulnerabilities associated with aging. One of the most significant contributors is a lack of preparation or resources within the family or primary support system. This can place considerable stress on caregivers, leading them to perceive the older adult as a burden.

Other common risk factors include:

  • Unfavorable socio-economic conditions

  • Dependence on caregivers

  • Cognitive impairments such as dementia

  • Low literacy, particularly among older women

  • Reduced functional capacity

  • A higher proportion of females in the elderly population, which may contribute to increased risk (Sousa et al., 2021)

Gender Differences in GBV Among Older Adults

Older women consistently report higher rates of GBV than older men. However, it is important to recognize that all older adults face significant barriers to reporting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Older men, in particular, may encounter additional stigma and prejudice when reporting abuse, which can affect the apparent gender differences in statistics.


Regardless of gender, GBV can affect anyone. It is crucial that professionals approach every case with equal care, sensitivity, and urgency, ensuring that the needs and safety of all survivors are prioritized (Gurjar & Kumari, 2025).

Impact of Gender-Based Violence on Older Adults

Gender-based violence can have profound and lasting effects on individuals of any age, but older adults are particularly vulnerable. GBV can affect physical health, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life.


Physically, elderly survivors of GBV may face a higher risk of injury, slower recovery times, and complications related to age-associated health conditions. Psychologically, they are more likely to experience social isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Chronic illnesses, memory loss, and cognitive impairments are also more common among older victims of abuse.


Research highlights that emotional and financial abuse have especially severe consequences, often leading to lower quality of life, heightened depression, and increased anxiety. Emotional abuse, in particular, can reduce self-care, contributing to sleep disorders and other health complications (Honarvar et al., 2020). Many older survivors also experience reduced motivation, pessimism, and low enthusiasm, alongside a diminished sense of hope or pleasure in daily life.


Recovery in older adults is often more complex and prolonged than in younger populations. Age-related physical decline, cognitive frailty, and reduced resilience make it harder for elderly survivors to cope with stress and adapt to recovery interventions (Arai et al., 2018; Gemeay & El Kayal, 2011; WHO, 2024). These factors underscore the need for specialized, age-sensitive interventions and support systems tailored to the unique challenges faced by older survivors of GBV.

Social Interventions and De-Stigmatization

Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to GBV due to shrinking social networks and increased dependence on family or caregivers. Older women, in particular, may face additional barriers to reporting abuse, including generational or cultural beliefs about privacy regarding sexual matters, stigma surrounding divorce or separation in cases of intimate partner violence, and a lack of awareness about available support services. Addressing these barriers requires therapy, social interventions, and broader efforts toward de-stigmatization.


Internationally, there is growing recognition of the need for policies and programs that protect older adults from GBV. Many countries have implemented sensitization and training programs for professionals working with geriatric populations, teaching them to identify signs of GBV and to respond with trauma-informed care. Another critical issue is the lack of research on older adults: much medical and psychological research disproportionately samples adult male populations, limiting the effectiveness of treatments for other demographics. The Rome Declaration emphasizes the importance of age-relevant data, which has led to initiatives such as the EU Survey on Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence (EU-GBV), aiming to improve prevention and treatment strategies globally (United Nations, 2023).


In India, awareness strategies are crucial, as studies show that family members and trusted individuals are often the main perpetrators of elder GBV (Maurya et al., 2023). Educational interventions that promote respect for older adults and highlight caregiver responsibilities can empower elderly men and women, improve awareness, and prevent abuse.

Recognizing Signs of Gender-Based Violence in Older Adults

Gender-based violence can affect anyone, regardless of age. Among older adults, it is estimated that 1 in 6 individuals experiences some form of elder abuse. Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial for providing timely support and intervention. Some indicators that an older adult may be experiencing GBV include:

  • Unexplained injuries or bruises: These may suggest physical abuse or assault.

  • Social withdrawal: Elderly survivors often isolate themselves. If a previously outgoing individual suddenly becomes withdrawn, it may signal abuse.

  • Sudden mood changes: Frequent or erratic shifts in emotions, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or depression, can be warning signs.

  • Neglect of self-care: Recurring preventable health issues, poor hygiene, or a decline in personal care may indicate emotional or neglectful abuse.

  • Changes in financial behavior: Unusual or sudden changes in spending, withdrawal of funds, or reluctance to discuss finances can suggest financial abuse (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

Recognizing these signs early is key to protecting older adults and connecting them with appropriate legal, medical, and social support.

Therapeutic Interventions for Older Adults

Therapy for older adults who have experienced GBV requires age-sensitive, trauma-informed approaches. Social isolation, cognitive decline, and prior experiences of abuse can make reaching out particularly challenging.


Therapists may use interpersonal psychotherapy to help rebuild social networks and improve the ability to form healthy relationships (Rajhans et al., 2020).


Common trauma-informed therapeutic approaches include:

  • Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy: A form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. PE involves two stages:

    • Imaginal exposure: The individual recounts distressing events in a controlled therapeutic setting.

    • In vivo exposure: The individual gradually confronts real-life situations that trigger trauma, with guidance and support from the therapist (Cook et al., 2017).

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps restructure negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories.


Among older adults, PE has shown particular effectiveness, helping survivors process trauma, regain a sense of control, and rebuild their confidence in interpersonal relationships.

Existing Laws to Prevent Elderly Gender-Based Violence in India

India, with its growing elderly population, has established several laws and programs to protect older adults from abuse and neglect.


Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act)The MWPSC Act provides the primary legal framework for ensuring the maintenance, welfare, and dignity of senior citizens. Key provisions include:

  • Obligation of children and specified relatives to look after the health and well-being of elderly family members.

  • Grievance redressal mechanisms: Senior citizens can file complaints if their rights are violated.

  • Penalties for non-compliance:

    • Defaulting on maintenance payments: fines up to ₹1,000 or imprisonment for one month.

    • Abandoning an elderly person: fines up to ₹5,000 or imprisonment for three months.Cases are generally tried before a magistrate, with the district tribunal serving as the initial point of complaint submission. The tribunal processes applications, conducts hearings, and can escalate cases as necessary.


The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS 2023) similarly emphasizes the responsibility of children to care for elderly parents.

National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly People (NPHCE), 2010

The NPHCE provides dedicated healthcare facilities for elderly individuals, alleviating some of the care burden on families and ensuring that older adults have access to medical attention and preventive care (Vishnu, 2025).

Helplines and Reporting Mechanisms

India has established toll-free numbers for reporting elder abuse. For instance, 14567 is the primary number for filing reports of suspected or experienced abuse. Elderly individuals, or those supporting them, are encouraged to report GBV without hesitation. Operators provide guidance for filing complaints, and it is important to remember that every experience is valid, regardless of age, gender, or background, and survivors deserve timely support and protection.

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