Sexual abuse is the least recognized offense and most underreported abuse against our elderly population. Sexual abuse is defined as the coercing of an older person through force, trickery, threats or other means into unwanted sexual activity. Simply put, it is the infliction of any non-consensual sexual act of any kind.
Case #3
An 82 year old Alzheimer’s patient is brought to the clinic by her daughter. She has had a small amount of vaginal bleeding. Tests confirm that the patient has a venereal disease.
The elderly are at heightened risk for sexual abuse. Predators are attracted to victims who are vulnerable and easy to manipulate. They seek victims who would be unlikely to report sexual abuse or who would not be deemed credible if they did report it. Elderly people with decreased cognitive or emotional functioning or people who are dependant on the assistance of caregivers can also be at risk for sexual abuse.
Nursing homes are generally thought of when the topic of sexual abuse among our senior citizens is discussed. Not all sexual abuse occurs in nursing homes however. Relatives and caregivers who sexually abuse elderly people are likely to be male and seek victims over the age of seventy who are totally dependant for their care. Sexual abuse in the elderly can be difficult to identify because many victims suffer from confusion or some form of dementia.