How to Spot the Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
While most everyone has heard of nursing home abuse, many people are still unaware of how rampant sexual abuse can be in nursing homes. A recent CNN investigation found that the federal government issued over 1,000 citations to nursing homes for mishandling reports of sexual abuse. This shocking statistic is only one indication of how widespread the problem is. These systemic abuses of power make it nearly impossible for justice to be carried out.
Tragically, because sexual abuse is already an underreported phenomenon, we may never know the true extent of this problem. Nursing home residents are at high risk for sexual abuse for many reasons. As they grow elderly and infirm, they may begin losing physical and mental capabilities. As such, residents with cognitive disabilities are especially at risk. Furthermore, nursing home staff are often undertrained on how to spot sexual abuse (if they are even trained in the subject at all). Do you know how to spot the signs of nursing home sexual abuse?
Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is just one of many possible forms of nursing home abuse. You should always keep a vigilant watch on your loved ones and any unexplained changes in their behavior or appearance. Keep an eye out for any possible red flags (without immediately jumping to conclusions).
In the case of sexual abuse, there are many different possible signs of problems. These signs include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety in a caregiver’s presence.
- Bruises around the genital areas, breasts, and thighs.
- Difficulty sitting or walking.
- Sudden depression, emotional withdrawal, or moodiness.
- Torn or blood-stained clothing.
- Unexplained bleeding in the genital area.
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Reach out to your loved one if you feel they may be in danger.
Reporting Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Luckily, anyone in the state of New York can report suspected nursing home abuse to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). You do not have to be a family member of the victim to make a report. In their own words, the LTCOP “promotes and protects residents health, safety, welfare, and rights by receiving, investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents, by supporting resident and family councils, and by informing governmental agencies, providers and the general public about issues and concerns impacting residents of long-term care facilities.” Their services are provided free of charge, so victims do not have to worry about the financial costs of reporting.
Seeking Legal Help
If you suspect a loved one has recently been the victim of nursing home abuse, we at Gattuso & Ciottoli, PLLC may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced New York nursing home abuse attorneys. We draw on over 50 years of combined legal experience to serve you as best we can. We proudly serve the Central New York area, including Syracuse, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn.