Sexual abuse in hospitals, residential care facilities, and group homes is often the most preventable form of sexual abuse. It is also the most common. There are many people who interact daily with the individuals at the facility. These can be doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, drug and alcohol counselors, and social workers. If one of these professionals are a sexual predator, then the others working there should be able to protect patients. These facilities should be helping patients and preventing abuse. Children, the disabled and elderly adults are the most vulnerable.
Health Care Providers
Pediatricians and other health care providers are entrusted with the responsibility to improve the health and well-being of their patients. This is not happening as often as it should. Recently, hundreds of sexually abused children spoke out against a pediatrician noting that he took advantage of their trust.
It isn’t just those involved in pediatric care. Surveys of physicians and patients revealed that 10% of doctors admit to having sex with their adult patients. Most alarming is 56% of all physicians admit to not receiving any training about provider-patient sexual boundaries. Without proper training, many health care providers cross the line and sexually abuse their patients. This behavior is unacceptable and wrong. It is important to hold a health care provider accountable for any sexual abuse.
Residential Care Facilities
One of the most horrible types of abuse is elder sexual abuse. Elder abuse occurs when caregivers violate the trust of caring for an elderly person, and instead sexually abuses them. Predators look for vulnerable and easy targets. This includes persons without family members actively visiting and being a part of their lives.
The most appalling occurrence of elderly sexual abuse is when a predator targets someone with a mental impairment. This includes those afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of these illness are confusion and forgetfulness. Therefore, many people dismiss the complaints as random mutterings and not truth. Then, the predator becomes emblazoned and will continue the abuse for years.
Elder Sexual Abuse Facts
- 70% of reported abuse occurs in nursing homes.
- Only 30% of victims of elder sexual abuse report it to authorities.
- The abuser is the primary caregiver 81% of the time.
- Elderly women are six times more likely than men to be sexually abused.
Get Legal Help
Survivors of sexual abuse can file civil suits against perpetrators and other responsible parties, regardless of the outcome or existence of a criminal prosecution. Civil lawsuits can help a survivor seek monetary damages. This compensation can never change the abuse suffered but can help rebuild a life.
When residential care facilities, health care providers, group homes, or hospitals take advantage of you, this is wrong. We will hold these institutions liable.
Plus, a civil suit can deter future abuse. This is why it is important if you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse to contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We will provide a free consultation and instruct of any avenues available to you for civil litigation.