Elder abuse is certainly not a new phenomenon; however, a larger elderly population coupled with increased awareness has brought the issue of elder abuse to the forefront of the American consciousness. When most people think of elder abuse, they tend to focus on the threat of physical abuse or emotional neglect. However, there is another type of elder abuse that frequently is not discussed — elder sexual abuse.
What You Need to Know about Elder Sexual Abuse
Sadly, the elderly often make attractive victims to sexual predators because they are frequently just as vulnerable as young children. Elder sexual abuse is defined as the initiation of physical or sexual contact with an elderly person, when that contact is non-consensual or unwanted. Often, the victim of elderly sexual abuse is an elderly person who is confused or unable to give consent. Whether or not the contact is a mere touching or a completed rape, if it is sexual in nature and non-consensual, it is considered sexual abuse. Some examples of elder sexual abuse include:
- Unwanted touching
- Sexual assault and battery
- Sexual photography
- Rape
- Forced nudity
Elderly Sexual Abuse Facts and Figures
Experts all agree that elder abuse occurs far more often that most people realize; however, accurate figures are very difficult to come by for several reasons. Elderly victims are often embarrassed to have been victimized and, therefore, don’t report the abuse. In addition, many elderly victims of abuse are dependent on their abusers for everything from food and shelter to medical care. Consequently, victims often fear reprisals if they report the abuse. Nevertheless, conservative estimates regarding elder sexual abuse in the U.S. indicate that:
- 70% of reported abuse occurs in nursing homes
- Only 30% of victims of elder sexual abuse report it to authorities
- The abuser is the primary caregiver 81% of the time
- Elderly women are six times more likely than men to be sexually abused
Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse
Because the victims of elder sexual abuse often remain silent, loved ones need to be extra vigilant at watching for the signs of abuse. Some common signs to look for include:
- Unexplained STDs and infections
- Bruises in genital areas, thighs, and breasts
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Clothing that has been torn, stained, or covered in blood
- Increased difficulty walking or sitting
- Depression or withdrawal
- Anxiety or excessive fear around caregiver
- Agitation and abrupt change in mood
- Changes in a senior’s demeanor, such as showing fear or becoming withdrawn when a specific person is around
- Evidence of pornographic material being shown to a senior with diminished capacity
- Blood found on sheets or linens
What To Do If You Suspect Elder Sexual Abuse
If you spot signs that indicate your parent might be the victim of sexual abuse, try and discuss your concerns with him/her. This might be awkward and met with resistance so stress to them that elder abuse, in any form, is not something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of and that you only want to protect them – just like they probably protected you at one point. Next, if the suspected abuse is occurring in a long-term care facility, sit down with an administrator and share your suspicions. You should also consult with an experienced elder law attorney. Elder abuse is a crime, but it can also be the basis for a civil lawsuit. Finally, you may need to consider contacting the county Adult Protective Services office and/or petitioning for conservatorship of your parent if you don’t already have it so that you have the authority to move him/her and/or replace a caregiver if you determine that your suspicions about the abuse were well founded.
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