Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Thousands of elderly Americans live out their final years in nursing homes so that they can get the constant attention and assistance that they need. Unfortunately, many nursing home attendants take these signs of vulnerability as an opportunity for exploitation.

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a problem of unknown magnitude because many cases go unreported. Often, abuse of any form occurs to assert dominance over another individual. In the case of sexual forms of abuse, this may not necessarily be the case.

Since patients are often weak and frail, they cannot fight back against advancements of abuse. Additionally, they may be coerced into giving consent because they rely on the attendants for their well-being. Finally, some patients who cannot communicate well are unable to report the abuse that they have experienced.

Sexual abuse is a broad term used to describe many lewd, sexual acts that are forced upon an individual by another person. Common forms of this abuse are:

• Rape


• Inappropriate touching


• Sexual harassment


• Forced physical interaction

It is important to note that sexual assault may also refer to acts to which an individual has consented if the individual was forced to consent. Sexual crimes are illegal and also may be punishable in civil courts for the emotional and physical harm that may be inflicted on victims.

Many elderly individuals are unable to report acts of abuse for a number of reasons, including fear for repercussions and a physical inability. As such, it may be up to a victim's family to report instances of abuse on its loved one's behalf.

Abuse should never be tolerated, especially in homes for the elderly. If your loved one was abused in any form in his or her nursing home, discuss your legal rights and options with the New Jersey nursing home abuse attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A.