Elder Sexual Abuse

You Are Not Alone. Discuss Your Potential Claim With Our Experienced Attorneys

The special needs community suffers from the highest rates of sexual assault in the country. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), sexual assault perpetrators seek out vulnerable individuals such as special needs and elderly individuals. Elderly individuals, or seniors, are especially vulnerable to sexual assault and sexual violence.

If you or someone you love suffered elder sexual abuse in a nursing home or other facility, you may want to learn more about your legal options. Discuss your situation with an experienced attorney. The legal team at Grant & Eisenhofer P.A. is committed to representing elderly individuals who are survivors of sexual abuse. Our goal is to hold negligent facilities and offenders accountable.

What Is Elder Sexual Abuse?

Elder sexual abuse occurs when caregivers or others take sexual advantage of an elderly individual. It may also be described as the initiation of nonconsensual physical or sexual contact with a senior person. This may include:

Unwanted touching
Forced nudity
Sexual photography
Sexual assault and battery
Rape

Sexual Abuse Signs and Symptoms in Elders

Due to health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, survivors of sexual abuse may be unable to understand that sexual abuse has occurred. If you believe your loved one endured sexual abuse, look for warning signs, such as:

Cuts, bleeding and bruises
Bleeding, irritation or pain in the anus or genitals
Stained underwear, clothing or bedlinen
Having problems sitting or walking
Sexually transmitted diseases
Social withdrawal from others
Panic attack
Symptoms of agitation

Elder Sexual Abuse Statistics

Despite the amount of abuse detailed in government reports, comprehensive data on the number of sexual abuse cases reported for elder housing facilities does not yet exist. However, there are notable statistics about sexual abuse among elderly individuals.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual abuse is the least reported type of elder abuse.
Between 2013 and 2016 the federal government cited more than 1,000 nursing homes for failing to prevent or mishandling alleged cases of sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault. According to a CNN report, of these nursing home facilities, nearly 100 were cited multiple times during the same time period.
Nearly 16,000 reports of sexual abuse in nursing homes have been cited since 2000, according to federal data housed by the Administrative for Community Living (ACL).

Where Does Elder Sexual Abuse Occur Most Often?

Elder sexual abuse may occur anywhere a senior resides. Most often this includes:

Nursing homes
Group home facilities
Long term care facilities
In the home with a healthcare provider

In many of these settings, common perpetrators include nursing home assistants, nurses and fellow residents.

Discuss Your Potential Elder Sexual Abuse Case With Our Experienced Attorneys

If you believe your elderly loved one was sexually abused or assaulted, speak to a lawyer with our firm today. A Grant & Eisenhofer P.A. attorney experienced in handling elder sexual abuse cases can help you understand your rights.