Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers
When society hears the words Sexual Abuse, people do not usually associate the term with someone who is considered elderly, much less 65 years and up. But sexual abuse in nursing homes and assisted living centers occurs just as much as physical and emotional abuse. About 81 percent of nursing home residents in the United States (including residents in Maricopa County) have suffered some form of abuse; this unfortunately includes sexual abuse. Although residents with diseases like Alzheimer's disease or Dementia are more susceptible to becoming a victim of sexual abuse, any resident strong or weak, mentally stable or not are all probable victims.
Abusers in nursing homes and assisted living centers tend to pick their victims by their inabilities - weak and defenseless. Those residents who are unable to communicate that any abuse is taking place, even patients that are unaware that they are being abused can make abuse undetectable. An Arizona Attorney can provide useful information on sexual abuse among the elderly in nursing homes. Although the topic is a sensitive and delicate issue, an experienced Arizona lawyer can help. As a family member, you can look for signs that may indicate red flags for sexual abuse.
Who could be an abuser?
- Staff Members
- Volunteers
- Fellow Residents
- Nurses
- Physicians
- Assistants
Potential Emotional Signs:
- Detachment from others
- Depression
- Erratic behavior
- Scared and fearful behavior
- Flinching when touched
Potential Signs of Sexual Abuse:
- Bruising in between the thighs
- Genital itching and bruising
- Anal bleeding
- Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Unusual inability to walk or stand
- Genital swelling or pain
There are several types of sexual abuse that include but are not limited to: fondling, unwanted sexual kissing, rape, unwanted penetration, sexual assault, exposing the genitals, any improper or non-consensual sexual behavior. Since almost 70 percent of residents in nursing homes suffer from cognitive diseases, there is often no way to prevent sexual abuse in nursing homes from happening. However, not ignoring signs and accepting that sexual abuse happens to the elderly is the first step in helping your family member. Taking immediate action and following steps is important.
What to do if you think your family member or friend has been a victim of sexual abuse?
- Contact Law Enforcement
- Report the Nursing Home
- Inform the Nursing Home
- Remove your Loved with from the nursing home
- Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Attorney
Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney
Most individuals take reports of sexual abuse among people 65 or up as false allegations, but that is not the case. Sexual abuse is a terrible crime against anyone; elderly residents are no exception. Each resident has rights in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe Area and an Arizona Attorney can help your family look into collecting damages for their emotional and physical suffering due to sexual abuse. For more information about sexual abuse in nursing homes, visit www.nursinghomeadvocates.com for an Attorney near you.
