Five Alarming Statistics About Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is an extremely worrying issue that is often not talked about. To make matters worse, instances of nursing home sexual abuse are often unreported. With a growing population of senior citizens, many of whom have mental or physical impairments, nursing homes can attract potential sexual predators. Both staff members and other residents can perpetrate sexual abuse in nursing homes. Below are five alarming statistics that show just how prevalent sexual abuse in nursing homes is.
Nearly 2,000 Reports of Sexual Abuse Were Filed in 2023
The National Ombudsman Reporting System received nearly 2,000 complaints of sexual abuse in long-term care facilities in 2023. While in 2017 there were 1,154 reported cases of sexual abuse, that number increased dramatically to 1,862 last year. The increase shows the seriousness of the problem, as well as the systemic failure to handle the issue of nursing home sexual abuse.
Most Cases of Sexual Abuse are Unreported
Only 30 percent of senior citizens come forward about instances of sexual abuse, meaning the vast majority of cases are not reported. There are many reasons nursing home residents do not report sexual abuse, including a fear of retaliation, difficulty communicating, embarrassment, and a lack of awareness of what is happening. The very fact that most cases are unreported also makes residents hesitant to come forward.
Nursing Homes Often Mishandle Reports of Sexual Abuse
According to a CNN investigation, over 1,000 nursing homes received citations for failing to properly handle claims of sexual assault, or for failing to prevent assaults. There are approximately 15,000 long-term care facilities in the United States, meaning that 1 in 15 nursing homes have not adequately protected residents from sexual abuse. Mishandling these reports can involve failing to properly investigate complaints, not reporting abuse, and retaliating against victims by withholding care or abusing them further.
Dementia is a Risk Factor for Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes
Over half of sexual abuse victims in nursing homes, 60 percent in fact, suffer from cognitive impairments, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. These individuals are more vulnerable to abuse because they are often unable to recognize when sexual abuse is occurring, and they often do not have the ability to communicate and report it.
Sexual Abuse Increases the Risk of Fatality
While sexual abuse does not usually immediately result in wrongful death, in the future it can. According to The Gerontologist, 50 percent of sexual abuse victims in nursing homes pass away within one year. This is often due to the injuries the abuse causes and resulting complications, such as infections, as well as increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Clearly, the effect of sexual abuse on nursing home residents is long-lasting and possibly even fatal.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help
At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney knows the profound impact sexual assault has on residents. We can provide the legal help your family needs to recover any compensation they may be entitled to and prevent the abuse from happening to anyone else. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to request a consultation and to learn more.
Sources:
cnn.com/interactive/2017/02/health/nursing-home-sex-abuse-investigation/
academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/58/6/e369/3572447?login=false
