Sexual abuse in nursing homes is on the rise across the country. When someone is entered into a nursing home, sexual abuse is one of the last things on their mind—but in actuality, nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to this type of abuse. If sexual abuse is suspected or alleged at a nursing home, it is critical to act quickly and to prevent additional harm and hold the perpetrator accountable.
The Most Vulnerable Among Us
It is no secret that the sick and elderly individuals in nursing homes are some of the most vulnerable in our society. This is partially because nursing home residents frequently have difficulty communicating, can feel isolated, and may not be able to connect with the often rushed nursing staff giving them care. Unfortunately, this frailty and isolation also makes them very vulnerable to sexual abuse.
Since 2019, reports of sexual abuse in nursing homes have been steadily climbing, and 2023 (the most recent year with available data) had over 1,800 reports of sexual assault in nursing homes. It’s important to note as well that this is just the reported number—the real number is likely higher, as not every abused resident may feel that they can safely report their assault, and nursing homes will often try to sweep such allegations under the rug.
Sexual abuse in nursing homes can happen to both men and women, though the most common victims were women and those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The most common perpetrators were nursing home staff themselves or other nursing home residents.
Next Steps
If you or your loved one has been sexually abused in a nursing home, you should make sure to report the abuse to law enforcement and seek medical attention for your loved one as soon as possible. Your local hospital should be able to complete a “rape kit” to uncover any evidence of the abuse and/or any DNA. It is best to also report the instance to state officials, such as your local ombudsman and Area Agency on Aging, as well as the nursing home’s administration. Record as much as possible so that facts are not forgotten as time moves on and to ensure that this does not get swept under the rug. Keep a copy of the investigation and any police reports.
Nursing homes rarely handle situations of sexual abuse adequately, with nursing homes delaying reports of sexual abuse, minimizing or ignoring complaints of sexual abuse, and failing to document anything related to the sexual abuse. If possible, move your loved one out of the nursing home where they were assaulted. Often times, nursing homes only place the perpetrator on a temporary leave, and, after the home sweeps it under the rug, the perpetrator may soon be back working with other residents at the very same nursing home. Few perpetrators face any legal consequences for these incidents of sexual abuse in nursing homes. But firms like Anapol Weiss are working to hold these nursing homes and perpetrators accountable.
Dealing with this situation alone can be difficult, and the nursing home will only be working against you. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries at a care facility, please call us today at (215) 929-8822 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our attorneys have extensive experience in nursing home, assisted living facility, and personal care facility litigation, including lawsuits related to sexual abuse. Don’t let the nursing home sweep this under the rug.
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