(864) 582-0416 Sexually assaulting vulnerable elderly citizens is a truly terrible crime. However, regrettably, it isn’t uncommon in nursing homes. These actions, which are often committed by caregivers, are a huge violation of trust and safety. Unfortunately, many victims of sexual abuse in Spartanburg nursing homes are unable to express themselves due to their health conditions.
Relativesneed to be proactive in protecting their elderly loved ones. If you suspect your senior loved one has been sexually abused in an assisted living facility, a nursing home abuse attorney from Holland & Usry can review the details of the case and determine how best to pursue justice on their behalf. Call now for a FREE case review.
The sexual abuse of elderly nursing home residents involves forced sexual contact between the senior citizen and another person. These acts range from inappropriate touching and fondling to forced participation in public displays of nudity and rape.
While it can happen to both sexes, women, particularly those living with cognitive impairment diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, are most at risk. In many cases, victims have no recollection of the incidents and are often unable to speak or express themselves. Such factors can lead to the sexual abuse of the vulnerable elderly going unnoticed until there are devastating consequences, such as a sexually transmitted disease that further impacts their health.
Abuse can be ongoing, with victims being either unaware of the assaults or scared of their abuser, who could be a member of staff, fellow resident, or even a frequent nursing home visitor. In certain extreme cases, there are incidences of dementia-related sexual abuse among residents. A Spartanburg lawyer can provide guidance on taking legal action against the perpetrators if you believe your loved one is being sexually abused in an assisted living facility.
Apart from cognitive decline, several factors can prevent an elderly victim from telling someone about their sexual abuse. These include shame, intimidation, blackmail (if the abuser has photos or videos of the incident), and fear of harm.
Spartanburg relatives need to pay attention to their loved ones and their nursing home care to spot signs of sexual abuse. Common indicators include:
The symptoms of sexual abuse often transcend physical signs to include emotional or psychological expressions. These include sudden negative behavioral changes such as panic attacks, mood swings, or depression.
Your loved one may also become withdrawn, demonstrate unexplained agitation, or attempt suicide. You may notice they suffer nightmares, become afraid of being in the dark, or become fearful or scared if their abuser is close by. While these symptoms may be similar to other conditions, you shouldn’t ignore them if your loved one displays several of them.
In South Carolina, abusers can simultaneously face criminal and civil action. Criminal actions are typically initiated by the state prosecutor to punish the perpetrator and provide the victim with justice, while civil actions compensate the victim for the harm they sustained.
A Spartanburg nursing home attorney can explain the legal process and your options for pursuing action for your elderly loved one’s sexual assault.
Incidents of sexual abuse in Spartanburg nursing homes are heinous and deserve harsh punishment. Your senior loved one should never have suffered in this way.
Fortunately, you can help secure justice for your loved one by speaking to Holland & Usry’s nursing home abuse lawyer. We are committed to supporting you through this difficult process to a satisfactory end. Contact us today for a FREE case review.
