Sexual Assault among Residents Due to Negligent Staff
When society hears the words Sexual Assault, people do not usually associate the term with someone who is considered elderly, much less 65 years and up. But sexual assault occurs in assisted living centers just as much as physical and emotional abuse. About 81 percent of assisted living residents in the United States (including residents in Maricopa County) have suffered some form of abuse; this unfortunately includes sexual assault. However, this type of abuse is not limited to the elderly, it can also occur to younger residents in an assisted living center as well. Abusers in assisted living centers tend to pick their victims because they are 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. In most cases, it may also occur due to negligent staff not monitoring residents of assisted living centers, leaving them vulnerable to other residents or other staff members.
An Arizona Attorney can provide useful information on sexual assault assisted living centers. As a family member, you can look for signs that may indicate red flags for sexual assault. There are several types of sexual assault 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 many residents in assisted living centers suffer from cognitive diseases and have much more limited abilities than others, there is often no way to prevent sexual assault in assisted living centers from happening. However, by taking notice of the warning signs and taking some sort of action to protect your loved ones 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 assault?
- 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
There are several ways to determine if sexual assault is taking place in assisted living centers. Here are some warning signs, both physical and emotional, that may be noticeable in sexual assault victims.
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
Contact an Arizona Assisted Living Abuse Attorney
Your loved ones should never be placed in a situation that puts them in harm’s way and leaves them vulnerable to sexual assault or any other type of abuse because of negligent staff not monitoring residents. Each resident of an assisted living center 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 assault. For more information about sexual assault in nursing homes, visit www.nursinghomeadvocates.com for an Attorney near you.
