When discussing sexual abuse, many believe that it is something that only happens to younger women. While it is true that the majority of sexual assault victims are under 30 years old, thousands of older adults are the victims of sexual violence every year. Shame, stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions about the cause of rape mean that these survivors are less likely to speak out than their younger peers, meaning that the true number of victims may never really be known.
Only by discussing these issues can we bring awareness and justice to those who have been harmed. This article will explore this sensitive topic to better understand why and how older individuals are sexually abused, particularly women in nursing homes.
While Sexual Abuse Is Rarer in Old Age, It Is Still Statistically Significant
Reports vary on the prevalence of sexual abuse in senior citizens. According to the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), 2-8% of older adults report sexual victimization in the last year, with a 17% lifetime prevalence.
This may seem like a small number, but the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reminds us that as the Baby Boomer generation ages, this small number will become a serious public health risk.
There is also the fact that this may be a significant underrepresentation of the true problem. Not only is sexual assault an extremely traumatizing experience at any age, but older generations may believe that the victims are somehow to blame for the assault, making them less likely to report the crime. Additionally, some older individuals may be cognitively impaired or socially isolated, meaning that they are unable to report to anyone.
Certain Risk Factors Make Individuals More Likely to Be Victimized
Like sexual assault in general, not everyone is at equal risk of harm, but the statistical breakdowns are actually different than in the general population.
Firstly, according to the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, 83% of elder sexual abuse happens in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. While younger individuals are also abused in institutional settings, such as foster care, hospitals, or group homes, these make up a smaller percentage of the overall population, and most sexual assaults of younger people are in the community as a whole.
Reports show that 70% of all nursing home sexual abuse cases have female victims, but when reviewing all age groups, the Department of Justice notes that 91% of victims are female and only 9% are male. This may be due to the different factors at play in nursing home sexual assault, such as inappropriate bathing routines or sexually degrading vulnerable individuals.
Those with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, are also more vulnerable, as they are less able to identify consent or speak up if they are harmed. This may contribute to the underreporting of senior citizen sexual abuse, as these individuals may not be believed if they try to explain what is happening to them.
What Causes Sexual Assault in Older Age?
Firstly, it’s important to understand that sexual abuse is not about sexual attraction but about power. In fact, many sex crimes do not involve penetration at all. Instead of sexual satisfaction, the perpetrator is instead degrading and humiliating the victim to express frustration, control, or anger.
In nursing home abuse cases, the assault may occur because of caregiver burnout and stress. Nursing can be exhausting and frustrating work, especially because many nursing homes are overstaffed. Some individuals, especially those facing external stressors or with previous mental health issues, may lash out with inappropriate behavior, such as taking degrading pictures of their victims or stripping them naked.
Some cases involve resident-on-resident sexual abuse. These may be exacerbated by cognitive impairments or mental illness that lead the perpetrator to act aggressively. In these instances, the nursing home is still responsible for failing to monitor and protect all patients from harm.
Individuals Mistreated in Nursing Homes Have the Right to Seek Compensation
Sexual abuse is a crime, no matter the age of the victim or perpetrator. If your loved one has been sexually assaulted in a nursing home, always call the police and get the victim to a hospital to get treatment. The police can inform you if it is possible to pursue criminal charges based on the facts of the case.
In addition to a police investigation, you should contact a personal injury attorney in your area who can help you pursue compensation from the nursing home’s insurance agency. These funds can cover medical bills, transport to a new facility, therapy, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
While we may not know the true extent of sexual abuse in later life, no amount of sexual violence is ever acceptable. It’s important to speak openly about these issues, pursue charges against perpetrators, and stand up for victims at all stages of their life’s journey.
