Mexico City, September 5 – Emotional violence tops the list of reports received by the Mexico City Citizen Council, with adult children identified as the main perpetrators. The organization has released a report titled “Living with Dignity: Protecting the Emotional Well-being and Security of Older Persons,” which provides a comprehensive diagnosis of violence, digital risks, and the necessary support for this demographic in the capital.
Children Account for Over Half of Emotional Abuse Cases Against Seniors
The document reveals that 58% of emotional violence cases are committed by the victims’ own children, exposing the ordeal many older adults face within their immediate family circles. This alarming statistic underscores a recurring pattern of abuse within the family unit.
The Citizen Council identifies emotional violence as the most frequently reported form of abuse by older persons in Mexico City. The high percentage of aggressions by sons and daughters within the home confirms a troubling trend.
The isolation experienced by many older individuals often prevents them from sharing their problems or seeking timely help. In response, the Citizen Council assisted over 1,200 older persons through its Emotional Recovery Center (CRECC) between January 2025 and July 2026.
Dr. Clara Luz Álvarez, Honorary Counselor of the organization, stated, “The Citizen Council is a fundamental piece of support for Older Persons […] its value lies not only in receiving citizen reports and linking them to authorities but also in offering accessible and reliable spaces where they can be heard.” This support includes violence prevention, digital literacy, patrimonial protection, and emotional health care for this priority group.
Digital Threats: Extortion and Fraud Targeting Older Adults
Criminal activity against older persons is also a significant concern for the Citizen Council. Extortion accounts for 51.3% of reported cases, with fraud ranking second at 27.6%. Of these fraud cases, 43% were already consummated.
A notable 21% of criminal cases reported by older persons occur in digital environments. The report distinguishes several modalities within this category:
- Loan sharks (Montadeudas)
- Fraud in buying and selling
- Identity theft
- WhatsApp contact theft and phishing
- Romance scams and AI-driven crimes
The Citizen Council clarifies that these crimes do not occur due to a lack of technological skills on the part of the victims. Instead, perpetrators exploit the trust and fear of older individuals to create a sense of urgency or economic dependence.
Support Provided by the Citizen Council for Older Adults in CDMX
The organization offers continuous support to identify risks and prevent violence against this priority group. Older persons, their family members, or their support networks can contact the Security Line and Trust Chat for guidance. The contact number is 55 5533 5533, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential, and available year-round to anyone who needs it.
The Citizen Council emphasizes that the digital divide and lack of support networks increase the risk of fraud among older adults. Verifying calls, messages, or money requests before sharing personal data remains the organization’s central recommendation.
Source: adn40.mx
