Sexual Abuse in Toledo Nursing Homes

Sexual abuse occurs when one person makes sexual contact with another without their consent.

They may use coercion, manipulation, or deceit.

Residents in memory care units may be unable to consent, which means the sexual contact is abusive.

Sexual abuse in Toledo nursing homes can take several forms, including:

• Intimate touching
• Forcing a resident to disrobe
• Rape, or forced anal or oral sex
• Filming a resident while they are being bathed, dressed, or assisted with bodily functions and then disseminating the photos online or in person
• Forcing a resident to look at pornography or the perpetrator while masturbating

Women, who comprise about two-thirds of nursing home residents, and residents with dementia are most likely to be abused.

Dementia-related resident-to-resident sexual aggression (RRSA) is the most common form of sexual abuse in assisted living facilities.

This is because the vulnerable targets may not remember the encounter, and the instigator may not understand why the assault is unacceptable.

Look for signs that a loved one has been sexually abused, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome
• Bruising in the genital area
• Genital or anal bleeding

A loved one may be unable to communicate their distress.

But if inappropriate sexual contact is suspected, our compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers can guide the family through various legal strategies.

As devastating as a sexual attack can be, nursing home residents have a right to engage in consensual sexual activity.

The skilled nursing facility, the resident’s family, and legal guidelines can determine whether consent is freely given.

Some cognitive disorders prevent residents from consenting to sexual acts.

Our experienced team of attorneys diligently applies all legal principles to uncover sexual abuse or protect a resident’s interest in a consensual relationship.

When family, friends, or guardians notice signs of sexual abuse in a Toledo memory care center, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) offers a guide for what to do next.

Our capable legal professionals can coordinate these actions to stop abuse immediately and begin the abused resident’s healing process.

The police, Adult Protective Services (APS), and a representative of the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program should all be notified.

The Ohio Licensing and Certification Agency oversees long-term care facility inspections and complaints and should also be notified.

To ensure a record of the abuse exists, our proactive lawyers can also report it to the nursing home administrators.

Although sexual abuse is the least reported type of abuse in assisted living facilities, it is probably the most underreported.

This means nursing home residents—particularly women and those compromised by Alzheimer’s or other cognitive issues—are raped or sexually compromised by staff, visitors, and other residents at an unknown rate.

At Zoll & Kranz, our role is to help you safeguard your vulnerable family members if you suspect they are being sexually abused.

Depending on the circumstances, your loved one could be compensated for the harm done.

We explore every avenue from negotiations to settlement to litigation to right the wrong done to a resident who suffers sexual abuse in Toledo nursing homes.

Contact us today.