‘Granny Battering’: A Review of Literature on Elderly Abuse in India and Its Medico-legal Implications

With the growing senior citizen population, crimes such as elder abuse are on the rise. In India, individuals over 60 years are considered senior citizens. Medico-legal challenges stem from under-reporting and the overlap of abuse-related injuries with natural aging processes. A literature review explored elder abuse, forensic markers, legal frameworks, and case studies shaping protective laws in India and globally. Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and psychological harm. Identifying abuse-related trauma, such as spiral fractures or injuries to the head, face, or neck, is crucial. Due to limited literature and under-reporting, circumstantial evidence plays a significant role in legal proceedings. Research on forensic markers can help in clinical detection, while a multidisciplinary approach, involving geriatricians, forensic experts, dermatologists, and odontologists, ensures a comprehensive assessment. Strengthening guidelines and raising awareness will enhance the identification and management of elder abuse cases.