NT Reporter
Panaji
Nearly seven in 10 senior citizens in Goa have experienced emotional abuse, while 65 per cent reported financial exploitation and 55 per cent said they had faced physical mistreatment, according to a survey conducted by HelpAge India in collaboration with the All-Goa Senior Citizens Federation. The survey found that emotional and psychological abuse was the most common form of mistreatment among senior citizens in the state.
“Respondents reported neglect, humiliation, isolation and other forms of mental distress that affected their overall well-being,” as per the report.
Financial exploitation also emerged as a major concern with 65 per cent reporting facing financial abuse. The findings included misuse of pensions, unauthorised control over bank accounts, pressure relating to property matters and other forms of financial exploitation.
Physical abuse was another area of concern, with around 55 per cent of respondents reporting physical mistreatment. “Some elderly people experience violence as well as fear and insecurity within their own homes,” as per the survey.
Despite facing different forms of abuse, many senior citizens do not come forward to report their experiences. “Nearly 45 per cent of victims took no action against their abusers. Only a small number approached the police, legal authorities or support organisations for assistance,” said the report.
As per the survey, emotional abuse often goes unnoticed because it does not leave visible injuries. However, repeated humiliation, neglect, verbal intimidation and social isolation can have a significant impact on the mental health and overall well-being of elderly people.
The issue was also found to be a concern among elderly women. “Nearly 58 per cent of senior women surveyed said they feared abuse. Emotional dependence on family members, fear
of retaliation and social stigma often prevent elderly women from speaking out or seeking support,” the survey said.
It also flagged growing risks in the digital space.
According to Goa Police data, 36 senior citizens became victims of cyber fraud between September 2024 and mid-2025. Several cases involved the “digital arrest” scam, in which fraudsters posed as law enforcement officials and intimidated victims into transferring money.
Apart from domestic abuse and cybercrime, senior citizens were also affected by other offences. National Crime Records Bureau data showed that Goa recorded 40 crimes against senior citizens in 2023, including theft, fraud, forgery and one murder. Police records also showed that some cases remained under investigation at the end of the year.
