Mancherial: Violence against the elderly still exists in one form or another in society. Many senior citizens struggle to live with their sons, daughters and siblings for whom they have made many sacrifices, even though they struggle with illnesses and age-related issues.
For example, Vijaya (name changed), a 70-year-old resident of the town of Chennur suffering from age-related illnesses, was mentally tortured and abused by her eldest son when she refused to divide their property a few months ago. She was subjected to harassment, even though she was cared for by her eldest son. However, she now leads a happy life, thanks to the intervention of elder line 14567.
In November 2021, Laxmavva, a 60-year-old native of Chintapanduwada in the city of Mancherial, was harassed by her sister and her children, who had been living in her home for a long time. She was assaulted because she asked them to leave her house. She sustained an injury to her head when they beat her indiscriminately with a stick. Laxmavva has now found a breather.
The common thread in the two cases is the intervention and quick response by authorities of Elder Line 14567, a national toll-free helpline for senior citizens that provides free information, guidance, emotional support, field intervention in cases of abuse and rescues if they leave. The service, which was established in October 2020, came in handy for the unhappy elderly.
“The Elderly Line registered 146 cases of abuse and harassment against the senior citizens from October 2020 to November 2021. As many as 136 cases were resolved. Attempts are being made to address the remaining issues. “Faculty staff rescue the senior citizens and provide shelter to the homeless and abandoned people while providing emotional support to the needy shortly after receiving a call,” Durgam Uma Devi, district welfare officer, told Telangana Today.
The DWO further said that the helpline, which is available through all seven days from 08:00 to 20:00, is aimed at improving the quality of life of senior citizens. Field Response Officer (FRO) Farzana and her staff immediately visited the homes of the victims and brought the incidents to the knowledge of local police if necessary. They provide medical support, legal guidance in obtaining maintenance, pensions and in filing cases in terms of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
Source: Telangana Today