Elder Sexual Abuse

What Is Elder Sexual Abuse?

Elder sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or activity involving an older adult who does not or cannot consent. Sexual abuse does not always involve physical contact.

Examples of sexual elder abuse include:

• Forcing someone to touch another person sexually
• Forced nudity or exposure
• Making an older adult view pornography
• Sexual assault or rape
• Taking sexual photographs without consent
• Unwanted sexual comments or harassment
• Unwanted touching

Consent is especially important when an older adult has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another cognitive impairment. Cognitive changes can affect a person’s ability to understand or consent to sexual activity.

Her Case Matters supports women who are victims of elder sexual abuse and their families. If you or someone you love has been abused or assaulted, we may be able to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and more. Get started now with a free case review.

Types of Sexual Elder Abuse

Sexual abuse in elderly populations can take many forms. Understanding the various types of sexual elder abuse, can help families recognize behavior that crosses a boundary and causes harm.

Learn more about the most common types of sexual elder abuse so you can take action to protect a loved one or consider legal options.

Non-Contact Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in elderly people can occur without physical contact. Examples include forcing someone to undress, taking sexual photographs without permission, exposing an older adult to pornography against her will, or directing unwanted sexual comments toward her.

These actions can violate an older person’s dignity and sense of safety even when no physical injuries occur.

Sexual Assault and Rape

A variety of forced acts could be considered sexual assault. An older adult may be particularly vulnerable to sexual assault if she has limited mobility, relies on someone for personal care, or has difficulty communicating what happened.

Examples of elder sexual assault can include:

• Attempted or completed rape
• Coercion or manipulation into sex
• Forced sexual acts
• Penetration of the body without consent
• Sexual activities with someone who cannot give consent
• Unwanted touching

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, regardless of her age, health, living situation, or relationship with the person who harmed her.

Unwanted Sexual Contact

Any sexual touching without consent can be abuse. Sexual abuse in elderly people can include unwanted touching of intimate areas or forcing an older adult to touch someone else.

A caregiver’s role may require helping with bathing, dressing, or using the restroom. Personal care should always be provided respectfully and should never be used as an opportunity for sexual contact.

Who Might Commit Elder Sexual Abuse?

The person responsible for elder sexual abuse may be someone the victim knows and depends on. Many older adults rely on other people for highly personal parts of daily life, including meals, medication, bathing, dressing, transportation, and other daily needs.

That dependence can create opportunities for someone to take advantage of an older adult’s trust or vulnerability.

Any of the following could commit elder sexual abuse:

• Family members
• Guardians or conservators
• In-home caregivers
• Nursing home or assisted living employees
• Other nursing home residents
• Spouses or partners
• Visitors or acquaintances

If you think your loved one could be the victim of elder sexual abuse, you should act quickly to report your concerns. In cases of sexual abuse in elderly women, it’s critical to separate the victim from a potential abuser as soon as possible.

Elder Sexual Abuse Statistics

Sexual abuse in elderly adults is more common than many people realize. Understanding the big picture of how often these crimes occur and who is responsible can help you to realize when your loved one is in danger and act to protect her.

Elder sexual abuse statistics reveal:

• Around the world, approximately 9 million older adults are victims of sexual violence and abuse each year, according to Trauma, Violence, & Abuse.
• About 1 in 200 older adults in the U.S. have been sexually abused, per the National Academy of Medicine.
• Elder sexual abuse is most often committed by a spouse or an acquaintance, each of which accounts for about 40% of reported cases, the National Center on Elder Abuse reported.
• In nursing homes, victims are most likely to be older women who are cognitively impaired or physically frail. Both staff members and fellow residents could commit elder sexual abuse, according to Nursing Research and Practice.

As these figures demonstrate, sexual abuse in elderly populations happens all too often. The most vulnerable women are at the greatest risk of being victimized.

What Are Signs of Sexual Abuse in Elderly Women?

In some cases of elder sexual abuse, the victim reports what happened. However, an older woman may not speak out because of worry that she won’t be believed, shame, fear of retaliation, or memory problems.

Family members could be the first to notice physical injuries, changes in behavior, or other evidence of sexual abuse in elderly adults. Be attentive for any indications that your loved one may have been harmed.

Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in elderly women include:

• Acting withdrawn or fearful around a particular person
• Blood on clothing, sheets, or linens
• Bruising around the breasts, inner thighs, or genital area
• Depression
• Genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases
• New anxiety or agitation
• Redness, irritation, or pain around the genitals
• Unexplained changes in mood or behavior
• Vaginal or anal bleeding

“If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected, trust your instincts and act quickly. If they’re injured or in need of care, get them medical help immediately. Their safety and well-being come first.”
— Ricky LeBlanc, Elder Abuse Lawyer

Possible signs of sexual abuse in elderly women should always be taken seriously — even if you aren’t fully sure what’s going on. Get help by contacting the appropriate authorities or calling 911 if you believe your loved one is in immediate danger.

Elder Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Long-term care facilities are responsible for protecting residents and responding appropriately when there are concerns about their safety. However, sexual abuse of the elderly in nursing homes commonly involves an employee, caregiver, or another resident.

In some cases, elder sexual abuse in nursing homes may be associated with neglect. For example, a facility may have failed to supervise residents adequately, respond to previous warning signs, or protect a vulnerable adult from a known risk.

Incidents of sexual abuse in care homes include:

• July 2026: A certified nurse aide at a Buffalo nursing home was charged with sexually assaulting a mentally disabled resident, according to WKBW.
• May 2026: A careworker at a nursing home in Oregon was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of first-degree sodomy, per KATU.
• March 2024: A woman who was recovering from a stroke at a nursing home in Utah was groped by another resident while standing in line for breakfast in the dining hall, Fox 13 reported.

Nursing home residents may have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairment, communication difficulties, or limited mobility. Any of these conditions can make it harder for victims to recognize danger, resist an assault, leave the situation, or explain afterward what happened.

Families don’t have to know who is legally responsible before asking for help. An investigation can determine what institutional failures may have contributed to sexual abuse in a care home.

How to Stop Sexual Abuse of Elderly Women

Hearing a loved one has been through elder sexual abuse can leave you shocked, angry, and unsure what to say. You don’t need to have the perfect response. Start by ensuring she is not in any immediate danger.

Take these steps to protect your loved one and pursue justice:

1. Listen and take her seriously. Let your loved one tell you what she wants to share without pressing her for every detail.
2. Help her get somewhere safe. If the suspected abuser has access to your loved one, consider what you can do to prevent further contact.
3. Seek medical care. A health care provider can address physical injuries, infections, or other medical concerns.
4. Preserve information when possible. Write down any details your loved one provided and note any changes in behavior or injuries.
5. Report the abuse. Sexual assault is a crime, and law enforcement agencies can protect older adults from further harm.

Avoid confronting the suspected abuser yourself, which could put either you or your loved one at risk. You should always prioritize safety.

How to Report Elder Sexual Abuse Cases

Where you report elder sexual abuse cases can depend on the details of your loved one’s situation. Even if you’re not certain of the best agency or program to contact about sexual abuse in elderly residents, don’t hesitate to reach out with concerns.

Consider contacting these authorities:

• Adult Protective Services (APS): Your state’s APS program investigates reports involving vulnerable adults, whether they are living at home or in another community setting.
• Law enforcement: Call the police when you suspect sexual assault or another crime, especially if you think your loved one is currently in danger. You don’t need to conduct your own investigation or prove what happened before making a report.
• Long-term care ombudsman: You can report concerns involving nursing homes or other long-term care facilities to your state’s long-term care ombudsman. This program advocates for the needs of residents in nursing homes, residential care communities, and other care facilities.
• Nursing home administration: Consider reaching out to leaders at a nursing home or long-term care facility to inform them about your concerns.
• Her Case Matters: If you believe your loved one is a victim of elder sexual abuse, call (877) 814-3168 for support and information about your legal options.

Getting in touch with an agency or program with the resources to examine evidence and support your loved one may be the most important step you can take to prevent further abuse.

How to Work With an Elder Sexual Abuse Lawyer

An older adult and her family could have legal options after sexual abuse. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to file a claim against the person who committed the abuse, a nursing home or assisted living facility, or others responsible for her well-being.

Sexual abuse in nursing homes may be connected to failures such as negligent hiring and supervision, understaffing, or a facility’s lack of response to previous warning signs.

An elder sexual abuse lawyer can investigate what happened and explain which options may be available to your family. By filing a legal claim, you may be able to pursue justice and compensation to help with costs like medical treatment and therapy.

Seeking Justice for Elder Sexual Abuse

Learning that a woman you love may have experienced elder sexual abuse can leave you heartbroken and unsure what to do first. You don’t need to figure everything out today.

Start by listening to her, removing her from danger, and helping her feel safe. Then, when you’re ready, Her Case Matters can help you decide what to do next.

We connect eligible families with experienced elder abuse attorneys who can:

• Listen to your concerns
• Investigate what happened
• Explain your family’s legal options
• File a lawsuit, meeting all requirements and deadlines
• Fight for a settlement or verdict on your family’s behalf

Contact our team for a free case review or call (877) 814-3168 to find out whether you can pursue a lawsuit.