Brazil steps up elder abuse campaign as reports surge

The "Junho Violeta" campaign, running in 2026 with the theme “Freedom has no expiry,” is being intensified across Brazil to raise awareness of violence against older people. Government bodies, unions and health services are organising local events, educational blitzes and digital‑inclusion programmes to inform seniors about physical, psychological, financial, patrimonial and neglect‑type abuse.

National data from the Ministry of Human Rights show more than 1.6 million complaints registered through the Disque 100 hotline between January 2024 and April 2026. In the first four months of 2026 alone, nearly 250 000 reports were logged – a rise of about 19 % compared with the same period in 2025. Victims are predominantly women aged 70‑74, and family members are identified as the main perpetrators. The law provides administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including fines, detention and possible closure of institutions that fail to protect residents.

Regional actions include the Afubesp warning that digital exclusion and changes to the Cabesp health‑assistance plan threaten seniors’ autonomy; the municipality of Maricá’s workshops for more than 4 200 elders; a Federal District traffic‑blitz delivering informational material; and Ceará’s health‑service units training staff to detect neglect and abuse. The Ministry of Justice’s CAO for elder protection in Rio de Janeiro is also strengthening technical support for prosecutors. All initiatives stress the use of Disque 100, police stations, public prosecutors and social‑service centres for anonymous reporting.