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Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. Proven Trial Attorneys
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Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

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Residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation and abuse. Perhaps none is more sickening than sexual abuse. Few people ever expect their loved ones to be sexually abused when they check them into a nursing home, and they are justifiably outraged when they find out it has happened.

At Bundza & Rodriguez, we represent the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We can help you sue the nursing home and any staff members responsible for your loved one’s injuries. Contact us today.

Sexual Abuse Frequency in Nursing Homes

According to the National Council on Aging, sexual abuse can take many forms:

  • Intercourse
  • Touching
  • Fondling
  • Any other sexual activity

Sexual abuse is not consensual. It can happen whenever the older adult is unable to consent or feels threatened or forced to allow it. An elder with dementia, for example, cannot consent to this behavior, so it is never excusable in that case.

Sexual abuse is probably more widespread than we suspect. In a five-year period, from between 2010 and 2015, a total of 230 nursing homes in the U.S. were cited for not protecting their residents from “unspeakable acts.” Often, staff engage in sexual abuse as a way to intimidate and degrade residents, perhaps believing that residents will not complain out of embarrassment.

What to Look For

Many residents stay silent after sexual abuse, afraid that no one will believe them or that staff will retaliate. As concerned family members, you need to keep your eyes peeled for any of the following, which might indicate sexual abuse:

  • Social withdrawal from friends or family
  • Discomfort when walking or sitting
  • Any kind of pelvic injury
  • Torn or bloody underwear
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Engaging in inappropriate sexual activities

Of course, some of these signs might have innocent explanations. For example, an elderly person might have trouble sitting or walking for a variety of reasons, including lack of balance, hip injuries, or general pain. However, you should always investigate if problems crop up out of the blue.

Protecting Our Loved Ones

If you suspect abuse of any kind, you can speak to management of the facility. You should also report suspected abuse to the state, which should investigate the allegations. Remember, if your loved one is being abused, he or she is probably not alone. Other residents might suffer similar fates, so the intervention from authorities is critical.

You should also consider bringing a lawsuit if you have solid evidence that abuse has occurred. Our clients have received compensation for a range of problems including the costs of medical care, mental health treatment, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Daytona Beach Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Contact Bundza & Rodriguez today. Our Daytona Beach attorneys treat clients with compassion, understanding the difficulties that sexual abuse can bring. We are skilled at holding nursing homes accountable and have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

You can reach us by calling 386-252-5170 or send us an online message. We offer a free initial consultation.

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/bed-sores-are-a-sign-of-nursing-home-neglect/

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