NCJ Number
221238
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 29-45
Date Published
2007
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented from a national study of the sexual abuse of vulnerable adults residing in care facilities.
Abstract
The 24 investigated and 6 substantiated cases of sexual abuse of older men residing in nursing homes revealed that, as a group, most of the alleged and confirmed victims were White men who had limitations in personal care abilities due to orientation and/or ambulation deficits, and an inability to manage their own financial affairs. As a rule, the characteristics of these men were similar to victims found in earlier studies. They were vulnerable to abuse due to mental and/or physical deficits. The type of sexual abuse most frequently substantiated was fondling, but other forms were also substantiated, including inappropriate behavior related to sexual interest in the victim's body, exposure of private body parts to harass or humiliate, and showing the victim pornography. Despite noted limitations, this study represents the first prospective and systematic study of the sexual abuse of vulnerable adults in facilities in the country. Previous research on the sexual abuse of older adults has revealed a few cases of the sexual abuse of older men. The first national study of the sexual abuse of vulnerable adults in facilities, reported in this article, collected data on alleged, investigated, and substantiated cases of sexual abuse. Tables and references