Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes Statistics
Sexual abuse in nursing homes may not be as common as physical abuse or neglect, but it’s still important to understand. Learning the statistics and signs of nursing home abuse can help you keep your loved one safe. Here are four important key statistics on sexual abuse in nursing homes to know.
Sexual Abuse Isn’t as Common as Other Types of Abuse
Sexual abuse is the least common type of abuse. It’s also the least reported type of abuse in a nursing home setting. More common types of abuse in a nursing home include physical and emotional abuse, plus neglect. Some nursing home residents may be victims of multiple types of abuse, which further affects statistics.
Female Residents are at an Increased Risk of Sexual Abuse
Women are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes than men. Women with Alzheimer’s or dementia are also at an increased risk of sexual abuse. These residents are less likely to recognize that they’re the victim of abuse, meaning they’re also less likely to report the abuse. In fact, women are six times more likely to be abused in a nursing home than men.
Sexual Abuse Isn’t Always Physical in Nature
The definition of sexual abuse covers any unwanted sexual acts or behaviors. Nursing home residents may also be victims of sexual abuse when a caregiver makes inappropriate sexual comments or threats. Even if they don’t act on these threats, they may still be guilty of sexual abuse. These types of abuse cases are even less likely to be reported.
Sexual Abuse May be Harder to Identify
Sexual abuse is not only under-reported, especially compared to other types of abuse, but it can also be one of the hardest to identify. Unlike physical abuse, the signs of sexual abuse may be under the resident’s clothing. Unless you’re involved in your loved one’s grooming or bathing, you may not even notice them.
What to Do if You Suspect Sexual Abuse
Take action as soon as possible if you believe your loved one is the victim of sexual abuse or any other type of abuse. Call the local police department if you believe their immediate safety is at risk. You can also report your suspicions of sexual abuse to adult protective services, your local ombudsman program, or the state licensing or certification agency.
We also recommend contacting a nursing home lawyer. Sexual abuse can have a long-lasting effect on you and your family, both emotionally and financially. You will likely consider moving your loved one to a safer nursing home with better caregivers. You may have to take time off from work to deal with the implications of sexual abuse.
Filing a nursing home abuse case against the wrongful facility can help you recover some of these costs. A nursing home abuse case also highlights a significant problem that could help protect other residents who may not have a family to protect them.
Contact a Hillsborough Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today
Seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Additionally, nursing home staff needs to ensure that patients are safe and secure at all times. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at Sugarman Law Firm represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Hillsborough, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Call (732) 877-1975 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We have an office conveniently located at 80 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, as well as an office in Marlton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
