Brazil expands elder‑abuse awareness campaigns as reports surge

On June 17, the Sorocaba City Hall, via its Secretariat of Citizenship, held a round‑table at the local Elderly Club as part of the “Junho Violeta” campaign. Officials Gabriele Vieira and Nadia da Costa Teixeira provided information on digital inclusion, seniors’ legal rights and how to report abuse, referencing the UN’s World Day for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and listing contact numbers for Disque 100, the municipal Elderly Police Station and the city ombudsman.

In Minas Gerais’ Triângulo Mineiro region, authorities are intensifying the same campaign after data from the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship recorded 13,221 reports of elder abuse in the state capital in early 2026 and a total of 69,114 cases statewide for the year. Experts note that most violence occurs behind closed doors—neglect, financial exploitation and control of benefits—and urge families, neighbours and caregivers to watch for signs and use anonymous reporting channels such as police hotlines and Disque 100. The legal framework includes Article 230 of the Constitution and the Elderly Statute (Law 10,741/2003), which prescribe penalties for abuse.