Sexual Abuse in Toledo Nursing Homes

One of the most heinous acts occurs when a vulnerable nursing home patient is sexually abused by an employee of the facility or another resident. After an attack, a resident’s physical and emotional trauma will change them forever. Often, they are too embarrassed or confused to tell anyone. But if you advocate for a fragile loved one, you should be aware that these attacks, though rare, do happen.

There are signs you should look for, especially if your loved one becomes reclusive, frightened, or appears distressed when an abuser is nearby. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) reported more than 20,000 sexual abuse complaints over the past 20 years, equating to three people traumatized daily. Fortunately, sexual abuse in Toledo nursing homes is not rampant, but if you suspect it, a diligent elder neglect attorney at Zoll & Kranz, LLC could intercede and help you weigh your legal options.

What Is Sexual Abuse in 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.

Signs a Resident Has Been Sexually Abused

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.

Consensual Sex Is Not Abuse

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.

What an Advocate Can Do for a Vulnerable Resident

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.

Our Attorneys Can Help Stop Sexual Abuse in Toledo Nursing Homes

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, LLC, 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.