Assault
Unfortunately, assault, sexual abuse, and even rape frequently occur in nursing homes across the nation. Often, these crimes are targeted at elderly patients with weakened conditions. When sexual abuse occurs in a nursing home, it is not always obvious to the loved ones of the victim. However, the trauma of sexual abuse can cause physical, mental, and emotional scars that lead to immense pain and distress, and can even turn life-threatening if not properly treated. There is never an excuse for any person, no matter their age, race, or gender, to ever suffer sexual abuse.
Types of Nursing Home Sexual Assault Cases
In a nursing home, sexual abuse may happen in a variety of situations, including but not limited to:
Sexual Assault by a Nursing Home Staff Member
Nursing homes often neglect to conduct thorough background investigations of potential employees, leading to the hiring of sexual offenders. These employees have a lot of contact with residents, sometimes helping them bathe, dress, and use the restroom, creating opportunities for abuse.
Sexual Assault by Another Nursing Home Resident
Nursing homes are often co-ed facilities, and in these settings, relationships can form between residents. Nursing homes are liable for negligence in these cases, as they may not be supervising the residents as well as they should be. Residents who are weak or unable to resist or speak may be easy targets for sexual assault by another resident who is aware of the potential victim’s mental or physical disabilities.
Sexual Assault by a Stranger in a Nursing Home
When a nursing home lacks adequate security and staff, strangers can enter the facility unnoticed. If a nursing home resident is assaulted by a stranger entering the facility under any circumstances, the home is liable for the negligence and abuse.
Sexual Assault by a Family Member in a Nursing Home
When a family member visits their spouse who has a diminished capacity physically or mentally, consensual sexual relations may be prohibited. Oftentimes, this can lead to a level of sexual assault that is not often reported because of the legal relationship between the couple. In this instance of sexual abuse, the nursing home would be considered liable for negligence because it occurred on the property.
Signs of Sexual Assault in Nursing Homes
Sexual assault in a nursing home should never be ignored, but the signs can often be difficult to detect. If you are being abused in a nursing home or suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse, look for the following signs:
Unexplained difficulty walking or sitting
Bruising and/or fingerprints on inner thighs, genital area, buttocks, and/or breasts
Unexplained vaginal and/or anal bleeding
Unexplained sexually transmitted disease(s) or genital infection(s)
Unexplained genital irritation, injury, or redness
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Fear, stress, anxiety, or another similar strong reaction when in the presence of someone, particularly when dressing, bathing, or using the restroom
What to Do if You Suspect Sexual Abuse
If a loved one confides in you about abuse they are experiencing or if the warning signs are severe enough, immediately report the sexual abuse. Call the police, file a report, and remove your loved one from the nursing home facility. Take them to the nearest emergency room for a complete physical evaluation.
Contact Our Elderly Assault Lawyers
The attorneys at the Smith Clinesmith will conduct our own investigation, in addition to the police’s investigation, to help you have the strongest case possible for litigation. We fight tirelessly to help victims and families receive justice for abuse that should have never occurred.
We work with a team of medical experts, nurses, investigators, and paralegals to help our lawyers gather evidence, evaluate your specific case, and get all the facts needed before the statute of limitations runs out. We provide all of our clients with a free case evaluation over the phone or in person, take every claim of nursing home sexual abuse or assault very seriously, and give you complete confidentiality regarding your case.