When most people hear the phrase sexual abuse, this term likely conjures up images of young children being preyed upon by depraved adults. However, young children are not the only age group vulnerable to sexual attacks by adults, many times their own caregivers. Elderly individuals are also susceptible to sexual abuse because of their fragile physical, mental, and emotional states. This may be especially true of those elderly individuals living in residential facilities such as nursing homes. In many cases, those responsible for adult sexual abuse in nursing homes are those entrusted to provide care and treatment to the elderly individual. There have been many instances in which nursing home staff have been found guilty of committing adult sexual abuse against elderly nursing home residents.

There are several signs of adult sexual abuse of which family members will want to be aware. These signs include unexplained difficulty walking or sitting, vaginal or anal bleeding, genital infections, irritations, or injuries. Bruising in areas such as the inner thighs, genitals, buttocks, and or breasts may also be indicative of sexual abuse. Additionally, stained or bloody underclothing, bloody sheets, or rope burns are commonly associated with adult sexual abuse. If the elderly individual becomes fearful of or combative toward a particular staff member or other resident, the elderly individual may be acting out in self-defense. Behaviors such as these should not be minimized but investigated to ensure that the elderly individual is not being mistreated in any way.

If families suspect that their loved one is being sexually abused, these concerns should be expressed immediately. An investigation into the possible sexual abuse of the elderly individual should be initiated at once. In addition to requesting an investigation, families may also wish to hire an attorney for assistance. An attorney can help the family make certain that a comprehensive investigation is completed and that all parties responsible for the abuse are held accountable. Sexual abuse can have dire consequences for the victim, and reprehensible actions such as these should not be allowed to continue. When families need assistance with a sexual abuse case such as this, they should not hesitate to contact an attorney for legal guidance and advice. An attorney will work diligently to guarantee that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable and that justice is obtained for the family's elderly loved one.