Baltimore Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Because sexual abuse tends to be underreported, it’s difficult to say just how big of a problem it is in American nursing homes. However, a Kentucky survey found that nearly 10% of nursing home abuse reports concerned sexual assault. Also, federal reports list around 1,000 cases of nursing home sexual abuse each year.

Abusers may be nursing home staff or co-residents. Sometimes, abuse happens with consent, but any sexual relationship between an elder and their caregiver is still abusive due to the power differential between the two. Other times, abuse happens when an elder is tricked or manipulated into unwanted sexual contact or when an elder is not able to consent to sexual contact. Every facility has the responsibility to oversee its employees and provide proper monitoring for patients to ensure they are not targeted.

Signs of Sexual Abuse in Elders

If your loved one is being abused by someone who is responsible for their care, they may be afraid to report the issue. However, abuse causes physical and psychological damage, and you may be able to spot signs of this damage or related signs of abuse. If you notice any signs and believe your loved one is being abused or if you’re a victim of abuse, you must contact the authorities right away.

Physical signs of sexual abuse include:

• Injury, irritation, or infection affecting the genitals and/or the oral and breast areas
• Genital pain or itching
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Torn, stained, or bloody clothing, especially underwear
• Any STDs

As a family member, you may be much more likely to see the behavioral effects of rape or sexual assault. Since elders–especially those in nursing homes–may be more physically and emotionally vulnerable, they may have a trauma response that significantly changes their behavior.

Behavioral changes in victims of sexual assault can include:

• Depression or withdrawal from normal activities
• A substance use disorder
• An eating disorder
• Self-destructive behavior
• Sudden fear and avoidance of certain people, genders, or situations
• Unwillingness to undergo medical examination
• Avoidance of physical contact
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unusual bad behavior, aggression, or delinquency
• Inappropriate sexual language or behaviors
• Regressive behaviors (immature or age-inappropriate behaviors in response to stress or strain)
• A decline in peer relationships and in participation in social activities
• Extreme non-compliance or over-compliance
• Wearing more layers of clothing than usual

Shame is unfortunately common among assault victims, so your loved one may try to avoid answering your questions. It may help to reassure them that you believe people who report abuse; that being assaulted does not make a person weak or bad; and that you want to help make sure anyone who is hurting them is removed from their life and held accountable.

Who Is Typically Involved in Sexual Abuse?

There is no one characteristic that identifies those who are likely to sexually abuse someone or that identifies those they will likely target. However, studies have found trends for both groups.

Risk factors for sexual abuse involve being:

• Female
• Over the age of 70
• Heavily dependent on assistance
• In cognitive decline or mentally disabled
• Physically weak or disabled
• Aggressive or violent
• Mostly alone, with hardly any visitors

Those who are more likely to sexually abuse elders are:

• Male caregivers
• Past abusers or criminals
• People struggling with alcohol or substance use disorders
• People suffering from dementia, which can lead to an increase in inappropriately sexual or violent behavior

Abusers may intimidate those they assault to try to prevent them from reporting their abuse to anyone who could put an end to it. Helping your loved one escape an abuser may make them more willing to name the person who assaulted them.

Preventing Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

At Brown & Barron, LLC, we believe that preventing sexual abuse in nursing homes is of utmost importance. We are committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of all residents in Baltimore, MD and surrounding areas. Here are some steps that nursing homes can take to prevent sexual abuse:

• Thorough background checks: Nursing homes should conduct comprehensive background checks on all staff members, including administrators, caregivers, and maintenance personnel. This helps identify any history of abusive behavior.
• Proper staff training: It is essential for nursing home staff to receive thorough training on recognizing and preventing sexual abuse. This includes understanding the signs of abuse, appropriate boundaries, and reporting protocols.
• Implement strict policies and procedures: Nursing homes should establish clear policies and procedures regarding resident safety and abuse prevention. This includes guidelines for staff behavior, visitor access, and resident rights.
• Regular monitoring and supervision: Supervision and monitoring of staff interactions with residents are crucial in preventing sexual abuse. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, security cameras, and open lines of communication.
• Encourage resident involvement: Nursing homes should promote an environment that encourages residents to voice their concerns and report any incidents of abuse. This can be achieved through resident councils, support groups, and anonymous reporting mechanisms.
• Collaboration with law enforcement: Nursing homes should establish strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of any sexual abuse cases.

By implementing these preventive measures, nursing homes can create a safe and secure environment for their residents, reducing the risk of sexual abuse. At Brown & Barron, LLC, we are dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for their duty to protect residents from harm.

Fighting Nursing Home Sexual Abuse in Baltimore

Abuse makes targets feel powerless to stop it. However, abused people are not powerless. There are many ways to hold abusers legally accountable for sexually assaulting others. Our team can help you file a claim or suit to do just that.

At Brown & Barron, we understand that discretion and compassion are necessary in sexual abuse cases. Our team provides caring service while leveraging the justice system to help clients push back against abusers.

Filing a sexual abuse charge against an assaulter can help you or a loved one receive compensation. It can also result in an abuser being removed from facilities where they can take advantage of others. To learn more about filing a sexual abuse claim or lawsuit, contact us at Brown & Barron. We can see you for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Contact Brown & Barron online today to schedule a free case review with a nursing home sexual abuse lawyer serving Baltimore.