San Antonio Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Physical signs of sexual abuse include:

• Injuries: Unexplained bruises or abrasions, particularly around the breasts, inner thighs, or genital area, can be indicative of forceful sexual contact.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): The occurrence of STDs in nursing homes is particularly concerning within the elderly population as it can signify non-consensual sexual contact. Due to weaker immune systems, older adults may suffer more severe complications from STIs, and these conditions can go undetected because they often attribute symptoms to other health issues. The presence of STIs requires immediate medical and legal attention.
• Genital Issues: Unexplained bleeding, pain, irritation, or infections in the genital area may be signs of abuse.
• Undergarments: Torn, stained, or bloody undergarments can be red flags that warrant further investigation.

The presence of STIs among elderly people is a growing concern that often goes unaddressed. In the context of a nursing facility, it’s imperative to consider how such an infection could have been contracted, as the elderly are less likely to engage in consensual sexual activities that would typically result in STIs. Moreover, the health implications of STIs in older individuals can be severe, making it vital to not only treat the infection but also to investigate its origins thoroughly. A San Antonio nursing home abuse and neglect attorney at Janicek Law can help victims and their family members conduct this investigation.

Frail nursing home residents who have been sexually assaulted may also exhibit behavioral changes, including the following signs of sexual abuse:

• Withdrawal: A sudden change in sociability, such as withdrawing from social interactions, can be a psychological response to abuse.
• Mood Swings: Uncharacteristic mood disturbances like depression, anxiety, or aggression may suggest that a resident is coping with trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety: Displaying fear or anxiety around certain individuals or, when touched, could signal a history of abuse.

Elderly victims may also change how they communicate with caregivers and loved ones:

• Silence Around Caregivers: If a resident becomes markedly silent or changes their behavior in the presence of certain caregivers or other residents, this may be a response to a threatening relationship.
• Reluctance to Communicate: Victims may be reluctant to talk about their experiences due to shame, guilt, or fear of not being believed or facing retribution.

Elder sexual abuse also frequently involves emotional abuse from the perpetrator, which can take a huge toll on the victim’s overall mental health. As a result, elderly sexual abuse victims may exhibit the following signs of sexual abuse that may look like mental illness, including:

• PTSD Symptoms: Symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks, nightmares, sleep disturbances, or severe anxiety, could afflict victims.
• Cognitive Dissonance: A resident may appear confused or disoriented, which might not solely be a symptom of dementia but also the psychological impact of abuse.

Finally, victims of elder sexual abuse may also exhibit significant changes in sexual behavior or knowledge. These signs of sexual abuse include:

• Inappropriate Sexual Behavior: Exhibiting sexual behavior or language that is not consistent with the individual’s previous behavior could be a learned response from exposure to sexual abuse.
• Unexpected Knowledge: If a resident possesses knowledge or uses language related to sex that is uncharacteristic of them, it may warrant a conversation about where this information was learned.