Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

It might seem far-fetched and almost unthinkable, but the residents of nursing homes can sometimes be victims of sexual abuse. Nurses and other caregivers, other residents, spouses, medical providers, and others may take advantage of their vulnerable state to perpetrate unspeakable acts that can scar victims for a long time.

If you have a parent or other older relative in a nursing home, you must continuously look out for emotional, physical, and sexual abuse signs. This article details five important signs of nursing home sexual abuse and how our personal injury lawyers can help you get legal redress in a court of law.

Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

If you think a nursing home resident is being sexually abused, but you don’t know the signs to look for, here are five important signs that may indicate sexual abuse:

• Unexplained Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Abusers in nursing homes often target residents who have dementia, so their crimes go unnoticed and unpunished. As such, you must actively look for signs of sexual abuse. These signs include unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis.

• Trouble Sitting or Walking – Another possible sign of nursing home sexual abuse is trouble walking or sitting, especially when there is no physical condition to warrant such troubles. If a nursing home resident suddenly starts limping or showing signs of pelvic injury, you might want to get them checked for evidence of sexual abuse.

• Bruised Breasts and Genitals – Since abusers believe they can get away with their crime, especially if the victim is a weaker person, they may leave tell-tale signs behind. If you notice bite marks or bruises on a nursing home resident’s thigh, breast, buttocks, or genitals, it could be a sign of sexual abuse.

• Bloodied Underwear –  Torn, missing, or bloodied underwear and clothes may also indicate nursing home sexual abuse. In most cases, the victim will not be able to explain how these things happened. They may have been threatened by the abuser or can’t remember how it happened. It is up to you to get to the root of the matter.

• Signs of Anxiety and Depression  – Another possible indicator of nursing home sexual abuse is signs of social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression in victims. Check if a victim suddenly seems terrified, especially if a particular person is around them. They might also stop sho/wing interest in things they used to love.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Nursing home sexual abuse is a sensitive legal issue. Many cases get unreported. In even more cases, the abusers go unpunished. We don’t want you to experience the same thing. At The Nye Law Group, our nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to speak with you about your case immediately. You can reach us at 912-200-5230 or through the form below.