Elderly Often Unrecognized Victims of Sexual Abuse

Nov. 9, 2004 - The term elder abuse typically brings to mind physical or emotional abuse, but older people are also the victims of sexual abuse. Non-consensual sexual contact with an older person is elder sexual abuse. It can mean using coercion such as threats, force, deceptions or contact with elders who are unable to grant consent.

Though older people are at greater risk for abuse due to factors associated with aging, elder sexual assault has not been well researched and is often not recognized or acknowledged. When an older person is a victim of sexual abuse the impact of the assault can also be different. Recognizing and acknowledging that elder sexual abuse happens is important in helping prevent further assaults as well as treating victims.

Perpetrators of sexual assault search for vulnerable persons to victimize. The physical and cognitive impairments that can be a part of aging make elders more vulnerable. These conditions may make it necessary for the older person to depend on others for assistance with daily activities either within their own home or in a long-term care facility. This dependency can put the older person at risk of abuse by family or professional caregivers. Older persons may be perceived as easy to overpower and manipulate. They are also less likely to report abuse due to the dependency on others, use of threats about nursing home placement to keep the victim silent, or generational beliefs about sex and morality that create feelings of shame and guilt.

The impact of elder sexual abuse can be different both physically and emotionally. A weakened support system due to mobility limitations, the death of peers, and lack of social interaction may make it more difficult for an older person to recover from an assault. If the older person is already dealing with illness the abuse may make the condition worse both emotionally and physically. An older person is more likely to have serious injury such as genital tearing or bruising that may not fully heal. There is also an increased risk of infection because of the increased risk of tearing, and treatment may not be provided for injury and STD's. Because older people have more brittle bones there is a greater chance that bones may be broken by friction or weight. All of these factors can contribute to a longer recovery time in dealing with the abuse.

Identifying and treating elder sexual abuse is difficult because elders are less likely to report it and the symptoms could be the same as other conditions the elderly may be experiencing. Cognitive impairments may make it difficult for the older victim to explain or remember the abuse. It is important that those who are involved with elders are able to recognize signs of sexual abuse to aid in detection and treatment of victims. The physical signs include:

Bruising on inner thighs

Genital or anal bleeding

Sexually transmitted diseases

Difficulty walking or standing

Pain and/or itching in the genital area

Exacerbation of existing illness

Emotional signs include:

Scared or timid behavior

Depressed, withdrawn behavior

Sudden changes in personality

Odd, misplaced comments about sex or sexual behavior

Fear of certain people or of physical characteristics

Elder care workers are mandated reporters and must report abuse to local law enforcement as well as to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. More information about mandated reporting is available through the facility or agency with which the worker is affiliated or through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being abused can contact their Area Agency on Aging or the Eldercare Locator toll-free at
1-800-677-1116. Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET) to find local assistance. A list of local Elder Abuse hotlines can also be found on the Web - Click Here.

Kathleen Dugan is assistant director of the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center (SARCC), Lebanon, PA - 717-272-5308. Information provided by Karla Vierthaler, outreach coordinator for Older Victims with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, was used in the writing of this column.

This article was first published in the Lebanon (PA) Daily News - Click

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