Northern California Elder Sex Abuse Lawyers
Elder Sex Abuse
Sadly, a number of nursing home residents are being subjected to abusive sexual behavior by the very nursing home facility they have entrusted their care to. Although nursing home elder sex abuse cases are not always as well researched and investigated as elder physical abuse or emotional abuse cases, elder sexual abuse does happen. Nursing home residents are coerced, threatened or manipulated into unwanted sexual contact or fall victim because they are physically or mentally impaired and cannot protect themselves or even communicate the incident to family members.
If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home sexual abuse, the counsel of an experienced northern California elder abuse lawyer is highly recommended. Sexual abuse is a serious crime and one that can affect the victim’s long-term physical and mental state. Don’t let this unspeakable crime go unpunished. By contacting a knowledgeable and experienced sex abuse lawyer at Estey Bomberger, we can review your elder sex abuse case, determine who is responsible for the act, and hold the abusive party accountable for their actions. We may be able to recover compensation for your loved one’s medical expenses, pain and suffering and other related damages.
Indicators of Elder Sex Abuse
It important that family members and friends are well informed of the non-verbal indicators of sexual abuse because sometimes sexual abuse is often mistaken for neglect, financial exploitation or physical abuse. It is not until a deeper investigation has been conducted that the true nature of the abuse is uncovered. Indicators of sex abuse include (but are not limited to):
- Bruises around genitals, buttocks or breasts
- Ripped, torn or bloody undergarments
- Unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Welts or rope burns on wrists and ankles’ indicating the elder has been tied up.
Recovering from Nursing Home Sex Abuse
The majority of victims of elder sex abuse are female and, in fact, are 93 percent more likely to be sexually abused than their male counterparts, reports a study by Ann W. Burgess: "Elderly Victims of Sexual Abuse and Their Offenders." The high number of female victims is attributed to greater number of female nursing home residents afflicted with serious impairments and ailments, which leave them vulnerable to sexual abuse. These impairments and limitations can also hinder a female resident’s recovery after the assault.
A good support system is key in helping victims recover from elder sex abuse. Victims who have close family and friends are more likely to recover faster than a nursing home resident who has no spouse or family. Also, the relationship between the offender and the victim must be taken into account. The closer the victim felt to the offender the harder it might be for them to recover psychologically. The nursing home resident may harbor feelings of betrayal and anger towards the offender. With sexual abuse, as with all types of abuse, the more serious the elder sex abuse is, the harder it is for a victim to recover.
Helping Northern California Elder Sex Abuse Victims
It is important to contact a lawyer soon after an incident occurs, while evidence is still available. A qualified northern California elder abuse attorney at Estey Bomberger can ensure that victims get the assistance they need and are entitled to by law. Helping our clients properly recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives is our firm’s mission. Our case results posted on our website are a testament to the amount of preparation we put into every case we handle. Call (800) 890-6722 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options with an experienced, compassionate northern California elder abuse lawyer.