Nursing Home Sexual
Harassment and Assault

Compassionate Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Victim’s Attorneys in Chicago

Although it may come as an unfortunate surprise to many, one of the most common forms of abuse in a nursing home is sexual abuse. In fact, studies reported by the Nursing Home Abuse Guide have shown that 70 percent of reported elder abuse happens at nursing homes. Also disturbing is the risk of sexual abuse among female over male nursing home residents: Elderly women are six times more likely to be abused, and 81 percent of abuse is conducted by the primary caregiver.

Nursing home abuse lawyers know these disturbing figures all too well, and are ready and waiting to use the law to its fullest extent to bring the guilty parties to justice. Many people are completely unaware of this issue – even those with loved ones living at a nursing home. Review the following information to educate yourself on this topic, and possibly help prevent or stop this horrendous trend.

Who Falls Victim to Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

While there is no “stereotypical” victim of nursing home sexual abuse, there are common scenarios in which this crime happens more frequently. For example, when seniors are left under the supervision of only one staff member, without the interaction of a staff manager (remember, the majority of abuse scenarios are conducted by the primary caregiver), there is a higher chance of being abused. Another more frightening scenario involves the sexual harassment and assault of seniors who have been rendered immobile or speechless due to an injury or medical procedure. The percentages of these attacks are dramatically higher.

Different Kinds of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

There are several degrees of abuse, and it is important to understand all of them to know when to call a Des Plaines nursing home abuse lawyer. Unwelcome or inappropriate touching could be as simple as intentionally grazing a breast while moving a patient. Verbal comments and suggestive or explicit photographs are also highly degrading and common forms of abuse. Nursing home abuse lawyers in Des Plaines have also seen cases where the staff has offered benefits to residents in exchange for sexual favors. And while rape and sodomy are the worst possible forms of abuse imaginable, every single violation listed must be reported, and the offender must be punished.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home, it is important to always be wary of warning signs that something is going wrong. While abuse in any form can be difficult to detect, there are often common signs and abnormalities that loved ones need to watch for, in order to prevent or stop elder sexual abuse. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Unexplained STDs or infections
• Unexplained bruises or bleeding
• Increased difficulty walking or sitting
• Depression or withdrawal
• Anxiety or excessive fear around one or more caregivers
• Agitation and mood swings

These signs are particularly important to monitor, since oftentimes abusers will seek out the most vulnerable residents who may or may not be able to speak up for themselves and report the behavior. If you notice any or all of these signs, you should first report them to authorities. Then, contact an expert attorney to help seek justice, and remove the harm from your loved one and other residents.