Tampa Sexual Abuse Attorney
Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Serving Clients in Sexual Abuse Cases
One of the most horrifying and traumatic types of abuse seen in nursing homes is sexual abuse of an elderly patient. Disabled and elderly patients are some of the most vulnerable people, and that makes them a target for unscrupulous and depraved individuals to assault them. No one wants to think about sexual molestation and assaults being a common occurrence in a nursing home, but the sad fact is, they are.
If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted in a long-term care facility or a nursing home, you need to speak with a Tampa nursing home abuse attorney right away. At Kohn Law, we fight against nursing home abuse and aggressively pursue facilities that exploit the elderly and disabled.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility can take multiple forms. It can include:
- Forced nudity;
- Unwanted intimate touching, especially to breasts or the genitals;
- Forced watching of masturbation and/or porn; or
- Rape, anal, or oral sex.
In addition, sexual abuse can involve taking sexually explicit photos and/or audio/video of a patient and subsequently distributing them online. This type of sexual abuse can include photos or recordings of a patient who is not fully dressed at the time they are being cared for.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Not all nursing home patients can speak for themselves. Patients’ families and friends need to be on the lookout for potential warning signs of abuse. Some warning signs can include:
- Unexplained bruising around genital area, inner thighs, buttocks, and breasts;
- Unexplained blood found on clothing and/or sheets;
- Genital infections or STDs;
- Patient fears being alone with caretakers;
- Unexplained bleeding in vaginal and/or anal areas;
- Irritation of genital areas;
- Underwear that is torn, stained, or has blood on them;
- Depression;
- Fear of other residents;
- Unusual or inappropriate behaviors, like sexual activities; or
- A sudden withdrawal from the community at the nursing home.
Sexual Abuse Affects Both Female and Male Patients
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, women and patients with dementia are more likely to become targets for sexual abuse. Patients with dementia are especially vulnerable since they have impaired memory and communication skills. Abusers can be anyone who comes into contact with the patient. Some patients know their abusers while others do not.
Don’t be fooled. Sexual abuse is a problem that affects both female and male patients. It’s also not limited to male offenders only. Some women caretakers have been arrested for sexual abuse against both male and female patients. Male sexual abuse by a man or woman has certainly been documented as well. Don’t ever assume that because the patient is a man or the caretaker a female that nothing will ever happen.
Contact a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you believe a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home, it’s imperative you contact a Florida nursing home abuse attorney right away. Even when reported, sometimes the government fails to take action despite knowing patients are being abused. Contact the team at Kohn Law today to schedule a consultation. Let our skilled attorney protect your loved one’s life and fight against nursing home abuse.
