It is impossible to give a specific figure, yet it has become clear to investigators and lawmakers that the country’s elderly are being physically and sexually abused in astounding numbers. Elderly women, in particular, are at risk of being sexually abused by caretakers due to a decrease in their physical and mental capabilities. Meanwhile, nursing homes and care providers are doing little to protect their residents from sexual abuse or to ensure perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted. Elderly people’s accusations of sexual assault are often dismissed as hallucinations or unbelievable due to medical conditions or side effects of medications. Other times allegations are incredibly difficult to investigate when physician and mental deficiencies make it hard to identify or describe the attacker, even when they are believed. More egregiously, some nursing homes have been found to purposefully turn a blind eye or protect attackers to avoid a scandal.
If you believe your loved one has been sexually abused at a nursing facility, contact a San Francisco elder abuse attorney at Brod Law Firm immediately to ensure your loved one is taken care of, living somewhere safe, and has the ability to seek justice.
California’s Sexual Assault Laws