Imperial County Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Nursing homes should be places where older adults can receive care that is appropriate to their needs and where they can be well cared for and safe. Yet much too frequently, residents of nursing homes in Imperial County and elsewhere in Southern California suffer devastating harm due to abuse. There are many forms of nursing home abuse that can occur, including sexual assault and abuse. Although it can be especially difficult to consider the prevalence of sexual abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it is critical to know that this type of abuse does occur, and it is essential to take action when it does. If you have concerns about an older adult and sexual abuse, you should seek advice from an Imperial County sexual abuse lawyer today.

What is sexual abuse in an Imperial County nursing home or residential care facility for the elderly? Just as sexual abuse can occur in other settings where people are supposed to be safe and provided with care — like schools, churches, and doctor’s offices — sexual abuse can also happen in California nursing homes and assisted living facilities. According to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, sexual abuse, whether it happens in a nursing home or elsewhere, is “non-consensual sexual contact by one person upon another.”

While all elder abuse is likely underreported, research suggests that sexual abuse is particularly underreported and under-investigated for the same reasons as sexual assault and other sexual violence cases in other settings. As such, it is particularly important for family members to be vigilant when an elderly loved one is in a nursing home, especially when they are more vulnerable due to mobility issues or cognitive impairments.

The signs of sexual abuse can vary, but family members and friends should take notice of any of the following:

• Torn clothing;
• Bloody clothing, especially undergarments;
• Bruising or other injuries around the breasts or the genital area;
• Unexplained sexually transmitted infections;
• Unexplained depression or anxiety;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Behavioral changes around a particular staff member or other nursing home resident;
• Despondence or other unexplained general behavioral changes; and/or
• Report of sexual abuse from the elderly resident.

If you suspect sexual abuse at an Imperial County nursing home, it is much better to be safe than sorry. You can report the abuse immediately by calling 911, and you can also make a report through Adult Protective Services within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). In addition, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible who has experience handling elder abuse cases.

Sexual abuse is a devastating form of elder abuse that occurs in Southern California nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and it must be taken extremely seriously. If you have any concerns about elder sexual abuse, it is critical to seek advice from one of the experienced Imperial County sexual abuse lawyer at our firm. Contact the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group to find out about how we can help you.