Thousands of families throughout Ohio trust nursing homes to care for their elderly loved ones, and nursing home abuse is a more common issue than many realize. While neglect, medication errors, and poor sanitation are common concerns, recognizing signs of sexual abuse in Ohio nursing homes is crucial. Some of the most vulnerable members of society are subjected to horrific abuse by those trusted with their care.
Recognizing Signs of Sexual Abuse in Ohio Nursing Homes
When you visit an elderly family member at their nursing home, it is crucial to pay close attention for any signs of abuse or neglect. Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a pervasive issue in the US, and many victims are incapable of fighting back and afraid to speak up about their experiences.
According to a study from the National Council on Aging, only about one in every 24 incidents of elder abuse is reported to the authorities. One of the worst aspects of nursing home sexual abuse cases is that many are not isolated incidents. Many victims of nursing home sexual abuse endure repeated incidents of abuse, sometimes for many months before anyone notices that something has happened, or before anyone listens to what they have to say.
A recent CNN report concluded that in just three years, more than 1,000 nursing homes nationwide were cited for abuse violations, and 100 of them had been cited multiple times. Even if your loved one’s nursing home has stellar reviews, sometimes abusive staff members go undetected for long periods of time. When you visit an elderly family member at their nursing home, some red flags that may be signs of sexual abuse include:
- Sudden changes in their health, such as infection with a sexually transmitted disease.
- Physical signs of abuse, such as defensive wounds, bruising, and signs of forced restraint.
- Behavioral changes, such as anxiety, depression, fearfulness, or a sudden withdrawal from social activities.
- Verbal signs, such as inconsistencies in the discussions of their care, seeming hesitant or evasive when speaking about certain caregivers, or expressing fear of certain staff members.
It is also important to look for risk factors that increase the likelihood of nursing home residents being subjected to sexual abuse. For example, a high patient-to-staff ratio could mean inadequate supervision for certain residents that could leave them vulnerable to abuse. Residents who are isolated and receive infrequent visits from friends and family are also targets for abuse.
Hire a Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer Right Away
If you suspect that your elderly loved one has been sexually abused in any way at their nursing home, it is vital to take appropriate steps to protect them from further harm. You should document as much as you can about their situation and remove them from their dangerous environment as quickly as possible. At your first opportunity, you should consult an Ohio nursing home sexual abuse attorney to discuss your legal options.
Your attorney can help you secure vital evidence for proving the truth of the situation. They will then provide helpful guidance for pursuing accountability, and both the abuser and the nursing home that employed them are likely to face various penalties for the harm done to the victim. Your family may be eligible to file a civil suit for damages, and the abuser is likely to face felony charges that may result in heavy fines, sex offender registration, and prison time. Ultimately, discovering that your elderly loved one has been abused by their caregivers is extremely distressing, and the right attorney can help you pursue justice. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has been representing injured clients since 1946, and our firm has successfully recovered more than $1 billion in compensation in a wide range of cases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Ohio nursing home sexual abuse attorney.
