Protect Senior Citizens from Abuse, Neglect and Harassment

Old age should be a time of dignity, care and respect.

But for some senior citizens, it becomes a time of fear, loneliness and helplessness.

Some elderly people face verbal abuse, threats, neglect or pressure inside their own homes.

Some may be denied proper food, medicines or medical care.

Others may be insulted, ignored, forced out of family decisions or made to feel like a burden.

In some cases, there may also be pressure related to money, pension, property or savings.

Many senior citizens do not speak up even when they are suffering.

They may fear losing the little support they have.

They may worry about bringing shame to the family.

They may depend on the very people who are hurting or neglecting them.

This makes elder abuse especially painful and difficult to report.

We are asking the Government of Maharashtra and the concerned senior-citizen welfare authorities to make protection for elderly people stronger and easier to access.

Senior citizens should have a simple and trusted way to report abuse, neglect, threats or harassment.

Families, neighbours and community members should also know where to turn if they believe an elderly person is being mistreated.

Complaints should be taken seriously and handled with sensitivity.

Where immediate help is needed, there should be a clear response system so that an elderly person is not left alone in danger.

Senior citizens should also be given better information about their rights, available helplines, support services and legal protections.

Awareness is important because many people still do not recognise neglect and financial pressure as forms of abuse.

This petition is not about breaking families apart.

It is about making sure that no elderly person is left without help when they are being mistreated.

A society is judged not only by how it treats the young, but also by how it treats the elderly.

An elderly person should feel safe in their own home - not frightened inside it.

Please sign this petition and support stronger protection, easier reporting and better support for senior citizens facing abuse or neglect across Maharashtra.