Sexual Elder Abuse Is…
- The forced or unwanted sexual interaction (touching and non-touching acts) of any kind with an older adult.
- Sexual abuse is also committed if sexual interaction involves an incapacitated person or one who is not competent to give informed approval.
- Sexual abuse happens to older adults and dependent adults in all settings, including nursing homes, long-term care facilities, the victims’ homes.
Signs Of Sexual Elder Abuse Are…
- Bruising on body, particularly in the genital area and buttocks, breasts, inner thighs
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Fear of caregiver or others in the vicinity
- Genital or anal bleeding
- Torn or bloody undergarments
If You Suspect Sexual Elder Abuse, Ask…
- Ask for details in a non-judgemental manner and using direct, short questions.
- Are they physically and mentally able to resist? Able to walk? Run? Bedbound?
- Do they have the capacity to consent to a sexual assault exam? If not, ask the health care power of attorney if the victim has one.
- If the abuser is not known, ask who had unsupervised access? Someone who bathed and clothed the elder?
- Do they have difficulty urinating, defecating, walking or sitting?
If You Suspect Sexual Elder Abuse…
- Arrange an immediate Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam.
- Use the First Responder Checklist to list everyone who had access to the victim. Document and describe injuries as well as victim’s level of independence and functioning.
- Take photographs of any physical injuries. (See Photo Tips.)
- Take victim and witness accounts of how the victim was injured. (See Interviewing Older Adults.)
- Cross report to local ombudsman program, if the victim is in a nursing home. (See Community Resource Referral.)
- Explore and document the possibility of other types of abuse.
