Spurt in sexual abuse of senior citizens: Study

NEW DELHI: Even as instances of elder sexual abuse are rising, the reality is often rejected in the society owing to the general perception that older people are sexually inactive and the myth that rape has anything to with the perceived ‘attractiveness’ of the victim.

There have been reports of sexual abuse in old age homes, strangers breaking into the homes of the elderly to sexually assault them, and instances of women being sexually abused by relatives.

As per a 2018 study by HelpAge India covering Delhi and 22 other cities, sexual abuse was perceived by eight per cent elders but only one per cent of them narrated their plight during the survey. Given the barriers to reporting such abuse, the real numbers may be higher.

“We have asked people if they have faced sexual abuse and they have said yes. This response is low, but still it is one per cent. In some cities, this is a little higher. We have cases of abuse in institutional settings. In family settings, people don’t talk about it outside, because they are afraid that the family honour will be affected,” Mathew Cherian, CEO, HelpAge India said.

“The general perception is that older people are sexually inactive,” he said, adding that the non-acceptance of the sexuality of older people sustained the taboo around the subject. Victims may not be believed if the elder person suffers from mental health problems.

Unwelcome or forcible sexual contact was most experienced in Patna (eight per cent), Faridabad (five per cent), Delhi  and Jammu (four per cent each).

“Certain sensitisation process should be initiated from the early stages of childhood,” Himanshu Rath, chairman, Agewell Foundation said, adding, the acknowledgment of the vulnerability,  of the elderly increased public awareness.”