Prevent Elder Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and assault of the elderly is one of the most understudied aspects of elder mistreatment. A National Institute of Justice, NIJ-sponsored study that examined elder sexual physical abuse found that; elderly sexual assault victims were not routinely evaluated to assess the psychological effects of an assault.
- The older the victim, the less likelihood that the offender would be convicted of sexual assault.
- Perpetrators were more likely to be charged with a crime if victims exhibited signs of physical trauma.
- Victims in assisted living situations faced a lower likelihood than those living independently that charges would be brought and the assailant found guilty.
Abuse in Nursing Homes and other Long Term Care Facilities
The National Center on Elder Abuse – Administration on Aging, elder abuse occurs in community settings, such as private homes, as well as institutional settings like nursing homes and other types of long-term care facilities. 3.2 million Americans resided in nursing homes during 2008. In 2009, the National Center for Assisted Living reported that over 900,000 people nationwide lived in assisted living settings.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) defines elderly sexual abuse as “non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person” or “[s]exual contact with any person incapable of giving consent.” This definition includes “unwanted touching, all types of sexual assault or battery, such as rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing.”
The NCEA synthesizes pertinent research on topics related to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation into summary research briefs. Research briefs released in 2012 include:
- How at Risk for Abuse Are People with Dementia?
- Abuse of Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
- Abuse of Adults with a Disability
Contact An Attorney Experienced in Handing Assault Matters
Kenneth LaBore has handled dozens of situations where vulnerable adults were subjected to above physical and sexual assault and abuse.
If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult who is the victim of abuse or other form of neglect contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048 or at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com
