Presenter(s):

Amritha Liz Alexander, Rashtriya Raksha University, India

Abstract

Elder abuse, encompassing physical, emotional, financial, and sexual harm as well as neglect, is a significant public health concern that remains underreported and poorly understood worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that one in six older adult’s experiences abuse; however, stigma, dependency on abusers, and inadequate forensic and legal frameworks obscure its true prevalence. In India, rapid population aging combined with the erosion of traditional family structures has exacerbated the vulnerability of the elderly. State of Kerala (India), despite its advanced social indicators, faces unique challenges as shifts from joint to nuclear family systems have intensified issues such as financial exploitation and emotional neglect.

Existing research demonstrates that elder abuse has severe psychological consequences, including heightened rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive decline. Although several screening tools—such as the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI)—have shown promise in detecting abuse, these instruments were primarily developed in Western contexts and may not fully address the cultural and socioeconomic nuances of the Indian environment. Moreover, the intersection of forensic psychology with elder abuse detection and intervention remains underexplored, leaving a critical gap in the development of effective, culturally sensitive solutions.

This paper evaluates the role of forensic psychology in identifying, mitigating, and preventing elder abuse among individuals aged 60 years and above, with a particular focus on safeguarding their mental health outcomes. The research paper assess the prevalence and forms of abuse, explores its psychological impact, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing forensic tools within the Indian context. By employing a mixed-methods approach that includes quantitative assessments and qualitative interviews, the study seeks to uncover the socio-cultural factors that contribute to elder abuse and to generate actionable recommendations for healthcare providers, legal professionals, and social workers.

Addressing this dual gap—both in the detection of elder abuse and the integration of forensic psychological perspectives into intervention strategies—could transform current approaches to elder protection. The findings are expected to inform policy reforms, enhance professional capacity in healthcare and legal settings, and contribute to a broader understanding of how forensic psychology can be harnessed to improve the well-being and safety of older adults in India and beyond.

Bio(s):

Amritha Liz Alexander is a dedicated mental health advocate, forensic psychology scholar, and emerging leader committed to bridging academic insights with community practice. As a Project Intern at HelpAge India, she assisted in the ‘Saarthak’ initiative—a community-based program focused on enhancing the mental well-being of seniors. Her responsibilities included assisting in training non-specialized health workers, raising awareness about mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, and leveraging technology to improve mental health literacy.

Pursuing her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at Rashtriya Raksha University, Amritha integrates rigorous academic research with real-world applications. Her role as a Campus Ambassador for the American Psychological Association further underscores her commitment to promoting psychological resources and building informed communities among students. With hands-on experience from internships at the Bureau of Police Research & Development (Govt of India) and Roldantz Global, she has also got involved Police training, conferences & workshops and advancing behavioral resilience initiatives. Amritha’s passion for forensic psychology and community empowerment makes her a dynamic speaker on topics intersecting mental health, law enforcement, and social change.