Abuse, neglect and control of older women
Older women can face violence, isolation, neglect, property pressure, pension theft, medicine withholding, caregiver abuse and exclusion from decisions.
In this guide
What this can look like
Abuse may come from an adult child, spouse, relative, neighbour, caregiver, facility worker or person managing money.
- Taking pension or bank access, forging signatures or conditioning care on a property transfer.
- Withholding food, medicine, mobility aids, visitors, phone access or help with toileting and hygiene.
- Threatening abandonment, institutionalisation or eviction; speaking as if she is absent or incapable.
- Restraining, sedating, humiliating, sexually abusing or leaving her in unsafe conditions.
Why this is harmful
- Dependence on the person causing harm can make disclosure or separation especially risky.
- Ageism can cause families and services to dismiss abuse as a private dispute or assume incapacity without assessment.
Possible protection and maintenance routes
The Senior Citizens Act provides a framework for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens and addresses specified transfers subject to conditions.
Domestic-violence protections may apply in covered relationships, and criminal law may apply to assault, restraint, theft, cheating, forgery, sexual violence or threats.
Age alone does not decide capacity, ownership or the correct legal route. State rules and tribunal practice vary; obtain advice about the exact relationship and documents.
Safer next steps
Choose only what fits the situation. Safety, time, money, disability, family control and device monitoring can change what is possible.
Ask privately
Create a conversation without the suspected person present and use hearing, language or communication support chosen by her.
Stabilise essentials
Check medicine, food, mobility aids, phone, money and a safe place for the next day before pursuing longer processes.
Protect decision-making
Pause pressured transfers and obtain independent legal and financial explanation; use 112 for immediate danger or Elderline for support.
How to support someone
Safety support must not become another form of control.
What can help
- Speak directly to her and ask what she wants.
- Offer readable information, a phone call, transport and a trusted witness.
What to avoid
- Do not assume relatives should manage her money.
- Do not move her or disclose information without consent unless immediate danger or a lawful duty requires action.
Words you can use
“I want to hear what you want, not only what others say.”
“We can look at phone, in-person and legal options together.”
What families and institutions must do
Health services
Health and care services
- Speak privately and directly with the older woman.
- Notice neglect, over-sedation, injuries, coercion and caregiver control and follow lawful safeguarding routes.
Government and public bodies
Banks and public services
- Provide large-print, in-person and supported access.
- Use robust consent checks without automatically transferring control to relatives.
Get help and practical support
Call Elderline 14567
Information, guidance, emotional support and field intervention for senior citizens.
8am–8pm, all seven days
Call 112
For immediate danger, urgent police, fire or medical coordination.
Pan-India emergency service
A call or app request may share your number, voice and location with responders.
Call legal-aid helpline 15100
Women and children are listed among people eligible for free legal services.
Eligibility does not guarantee a particular lawyer, remedy or result.
Sources and publication record
- Publication review
- Reviewed and approved by the project team
- Sources checked
- Jurisdiction
- India
- Review record
- Reviewed and approved by the project team. Official statutes and service sources are listed with the relevant content.
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007India Code, Legislative Department
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005India Code, Legislative Department
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023India Code, Legislative Department
- Elderline — National Helpline for Senior Citizens 14567Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs
- Free legal services and National Legal Aid Helpline 15100National Legal Services Authority