The majority of sexual abuse victims are women, however older men may also become victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes. Often the victims are those with physical or cognitive disabilities, and those who lack social support or who are isolated.
Symptoms of nursing home sexual abuse include genital or anal pain and bleeding; bruises around the breasts, genitals and inner thighs; torn, stained or bloody under garments, difficulty walking or sitting, and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as reports from a nursing home resident that they were abused.
Victims of sexual abuse in a nursing home may also display changes in their behavior such as becoming withdrawn or emotionally agitated or becoming fearful of being touched.
Should you suspect sexual abuse of an elderly loved one, you don't need to wait until you have proof. Once you make a report, it will trigger an investigation to assess whether your loved one is in immediate danger of further harm as well as the nature and extent of the abuse.
If you suspect your loved one has been sexually abused, you should contact the police and adult protective services immediately.
You can also seek help from adult protective services as well as the National Center on Elder Abuse, which serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. You may also contact the Eldercare Locator hotline on weekdays for state specific information at: 1-800-677-1116.
You loved one may also be entitled to compensation. Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.