Sexual Harassment in Nursing Homes
Summary
This article discusses sexual harassment in nursing homes and assisted living centers both from physicians and doctors as well as from other residents. The article discusses many ways to determine if their loved ones have been victimized by sexual harassment or some form of sexual abuse and also provides ways that this type of behavior can be prevented while they are in the care of the facility.
Sexual Harassment in Nursing Homes
Elderly residents of nursing homes often have some sort of debilitating disease or condition that takes away their ability to defend themselves in the event of an abusive situation or in the face of an abusive individual. This could include stroke victims or some other physical or mental cognitive disease that inhibits their ability to defend themselves or call for help in these unfortunate circumstances. Unfortunately, this inability to defend themselves leaves elderly residents of nursing homes susceptible to abuse, including sexual harassment from nursing home staff. 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 harassment. Abusers among nursing staff and the staff in assisted living centers tend to pick their victims by their weak and defenseless characteristics. These characteristics allow the abuser to take full control of the situation and provide low risk of getting caught. An Arizona Attorney can provide useful information on sexual abuse and sexual harassment among the elderly in nursing homes.
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 different forms of sexual abuse: fondling, unwanted sexual kissing, rape, unwanted penetration, sexual assault, exposing the genitals, any improper sexual behavior. Since almost 70 percent of residents in nursing homes suffer from cognitive diseases, there is no way to prevent sexual abuse or harassment in nursing homes. Taking immediate action and following steps is important. There are many things that can be done to insure that your loved ones do not become the victim of sexual harassment or any form of sexual abuse from staff members or even from other residents in a nursing home or in an assisted living center.
What to do:
If you believe your loved one has been the victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse of any kind, there are certain steps you can do to insure the abusers face the consequences.
- 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 people believe reports of sexual abuse among people 65 or up are simply a matter of false allegations, but that is not the case. Sexual harassment and abuse is a terrible crime against anyone; elderly residents are no exception. Your loved ones should not have to be victimized by nursing staff or anybody else in a nursing home or assisted living center. 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.
