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 use direct, short questions.
Are they physically and mentally able to resist? Able to walk? Run?
Do they have the capacity to consent to a sexual assault exam?
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 older adults. Document and describe injuries as well as older adult level of independence and functioning.
Take photographs of any physical injuries. (See Photo Tips.)
Take older adult and witness accounts of how the older adult was injured. (See Interviewing Older Adults.)
Cross report to a local ombudsman program, if the older adult is in a nursing home. (See Community Resource Referral.)
Explore and document the possibility of other types of abuse.
