Brazil Faces Surge in Elder Abuse Cases as Neglect Remains Leading Violation

The Lar Eurípedes Barsanulfo care home in Franca, São Paulo, provides permanent support to 48 residents, most recently highlighting the need for integrated family and community action during the June Violeta awareness campaign. Data from the National Human Rights Ombudsman show neglect as the most frequent violation against people over 60, with more than 30,000 complaints registered in São Paulo in 2025 and over 23,000 in the first months of 2026.

Across Brazil, experts say the most common forms of elder abuse are neglect, psychological mistreatment and financial fraud. In May 2024 the São Paulo Civil Police dismantled a criminal ring that defrauded more than 100 seniors through bogus discount clubs. Disque 100 recorded over 24,600 reports of financial or patrimonial abuse in the first half of 2024 alone. Attorney Gabriel Fonseca warned, “Movimentações bancárias incomuns, dívidas inesperadas, desaparecimento de cartões… são indícios que merecem atenção.” Authorities stress that many cases go unreported and call for better enforcement of the Estatuto da Pessoa Idosa and expanded specialized police units.