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

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).

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.