San Diego Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Attorney
Fighting for Those Who Have Suffered Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes in Los Angeles & Throughout Southern California
Sexual abuse in nursing homes in California has become more prevalent in recent years. Sexual contact without consent, as well as violent or forced sexual contact, qualify as abuse. Elder sexual abuse may include unwanted touching, assault, or rape.
Many seniors living with moderate to severe dementia do not have the capacity to consent to sexual contact. While the elder’s body is that of an adult, their cognitive function may mimic that of a child due to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Many residents in nursing homes are physically weak and unable to defend themselves, making them easy targets for sexual predators. Other residents, visitors to the facility, or employees may commit these acts of abuse.
Sexual abuse can occur alongside emotional or physical abuse. For this reason, working with a knowledgeable nursing home sexual abuse attorney in San Diego can help protect your loved one. At Joel R. Bryant, we act quickly to reach out to the proper authorities and help your elder stay safe.
Call Joel Bryant today at (619) 597-2577 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our nursing home sexual abuse lawyer in San Diego, CA.
How Is Elder Sexual Abuse Defined?
Sexual abuse includes a wide range of criminal acts. The following actions can constitute sexual abuse if committed against an elder without consent:
- Touching or groping of the genitals, breasts, buttocks, or anus
- Sexual intercourse (or rape), including anal or oral penetration (sodomy)
- Inserting objects or fingers into an elder’s vagina or rectum
- Carrying out “medical practices” on an elder when not medically necessary, such as applying creams, giving enemas, or using soaps on their genitalia, breasts, or buttocks
- Cleansing inner or outer areas of the genitalia with abrasive chemicals, such as alcohol wipes
What Is Considered “Hands Off” Sexual Abuse?
Some forms of sexual abuse, called “hands off” abuse, do not involve physical contact but still cause significant harm.
Examples of “hands off” sexual abuse include:
- Forcing an individual to watch others engaged in sexual activity, including pornography
- Watching a victim disrobe for reasons unrelated to hygiene or medical care
- Forcing an elder to undress outside of a medical setting in front of others
- Creating sexually explicit pictures or videos of the victim without consent
How Can I Prevent Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Against a Loved One?
Even the best prevention methods cannot guarantee safety. However, several steps reduce the risk of a loved one becoming a victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home.
Tips to help prevent elder abuse against a loved one include:
- Visiting often: Visiting often and at random times makes it harder for perpetrators to hide abuse and gives you opportunities to notice unexplained changes in behavior or physical condition.
- Speaking with staff: Immediately bring up any concerns about your loved one's care or physical/mental state to the staff.
- Calling regularly: Stay in frequent contact. Regular phone or video calls can provide emotional support and also help you detect signs of distress or changes in mood that may indicate potential abuse or neglect.
- Researching the nursing home: Before choosing a care facility, thoroughly research its reputation. Check for state inspection reports, read reviews, and look for any history of violations or complaints related to patient care.
If you recognize any sign of abuse during a visit, contact our San Diego nursing home sexual abuse attorneys by calling (619) 597-2577 right away.
Why Does Sexual Abuse Happen in Nursing Homes?
In addition to physical and mental disabilities, many other factors increase the risk of sexual abuse in nursing homes, including:
- Understaffing: When management hires too few nurses, assistants, or staff, residents lack proper supervision and remain alone with potential abusers for extended periods.
- Lack of training: Facilities sometimes hire inexperienced staff to save costs and skip proper training needed to prevent and report sexual abuse.
- Failure to perform background checks: Facilities may hire workers with prior criminal records without appropriate screening.
- Inadequate security: When management fails to enforce reasonable security procedures, unauthorized individuals can enter the facility and access residents’ rooms.
- Desire to conceal sexual assault: Some managers delay calling authorities to avoid telling families or attracting negative publicity.
Nursing homes in San Diego must comply with California regulations meant to protect residents’ dignity and safety. When a facility fails to meet these standards, resident well-being suffers.
Recognizing the Concealment of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes
Some signs of elder abuse are difficult to detect. Elders may not be able to communicate because of memory loss, a mental or physical disability, or a combination. In some cases, elders stay silent out of fear or worry that the abuser may retaliate. If you suspect your loved one faces sexual abuse in a facility, have a plan to move them to safety and seek help.
Shame or embarrassment may also prevent elders from speaking out. Abuse can go undetected if a resident is isolated and doesn’t often see caring family or friends.
Identifying the Signs of Sexual Abuse in Seniors
Knowing what to look for makes it easier to remove a loved one from a harmful environment.
Watch for physical signs, such as:
- Injuries to the genitals or inner thighs
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Emotional signs of trauma may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal
- Agitation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you suspect that someone has sexually abused your loved one in a nursing home, contact an experienced nursing home sexual abuse attorney in San Diego by calling (619) 597-2577 immediately.
Who Commits Sexual Abuse Against Nursing Home Residents?
In many situations, people close to the elder, such as other residents, nursing home staff, or visitors, commit acts of sexual abuse. Elders left alone with others may be especially vulnerable. Carefully researching the background of caregivers and advocating for rigorous hiring practices can play a key role in prevention.
All elderly people are physically more vulnerable than the general population. Some groups are even more at risk. Elders who struggle with memory loss or cognitive conditions have trouble reporting abuse or remembering details. These factors make it easier for perpetrators to hide their actions.
Elders with physical or mental disabilities, or both, also face higher risk. Physical disability may prevent someone from escaping, while difficulty communicating can keep abuse hidden. Isolated elders without regular visitors are at greatest risk of ongoing abuse.
Contact Our San Diego Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Nursing home abuse sexual abuse must stop, and facility owners should be held responsible if a resident in their care is harmed. If your loved one suffered sexual abuse in a nursing home, contact Joel R. Bryant. Family advocacy is essential, as many elderly people cannot stand up for themselves.
Our experienced team of San Diego nursing home sexual abuse attorneys can help you explore your legal options, advocate for your loved one’s well-being, and work to hold perpetrators accountable.
If you suspect that someone has sexually abused your loved one in a nursing home, contact an experienced San Diego nursing home sexual abuse attorney by calling (619) 597-2577 immediately.
FAQs
What should I do first if I suspect sexual abuse in a San Diego nursing home?
If you believe a loved one is facing immediate harm, call 911. You can also report your concerns to Adult Protective Services or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, both of which help protect residents.
Why hire a nursing home sexual abuse lawyer?
Hiring a nursing home sexual abuse lawyer means having a legal professional who understands the complexities of these sensitive cases. They can identify the responsible parties, hold them accountable, and work to protect your elderly loved one moving forward.
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