Read more about these types of abuse: physical, financial, neglect, emotional.

Sexual elder abuse may not be talked about frequently, but unfortunately, many seniors do experience this type of mistreatment. It is essential that family members of older adults are aware of the signs and risks to keep their loved ones safe.

Sexual elder abuse involves any unwanted or forced sexual interaction. This can include physical actions like fondling, touching, and intercourse, as well as non-contact sexual harassment.

Anyone can be a perpetrator, including family members, friends, a spouse, professional caregivers, and other care facility staff members. The perpetrator will take advantage of the power that they have over the victim to mistreat them.

In some cases, the older adult may not have the capacity to consent due to dementia or other mental deficiencies. This means that they may not be aware that the abuse is happening, or may not be able to recall what happened after the fact. This complicates the process of reporting sexual abuse, as many victims may not be able to communicate clearly enough to identify what has happened.

It’s important to note that other older adults can be sexually abused, as well. Even if the senior is mentally fit, the perpetrator may use their physical power and/or threats in order to abuse the victim.

While we may not hear of cases of sexual abuse of elders too frequently, it does happen. One review found that 3% of elders (or their proxies) in institutional settings reported sexual abuse in a year. That said, given the sensitive nature of the topic (and the fact that some seniors may not even know they’ve been abused), it is believed that this type of abuse is grossly underreported.

There are a few key signs of sexual abuse that you should be aware of. Physical indicators include:

A senior that has been sexually abused may also exhibit emotional signs. They may withdraw from their community or their usual activities, or grow fearful when a specific person is around. They may also show feelings of agitation, depression, or anxiety.

Keep an open line of communication with your loved one. Note that many seniors who have been sexually abused have a difficult time talking about their abuse, even if they have the capacity to do so. This can be due to threats or fear of backlash from the perpetrator, as well as embarrassment or guilt. That said, the best thing you can do is build trust with your loved one so that they have someone to turn to if they are abused

Additionally, it’s important to learn about the signs of sexual abuse. Knowing what to look out for will help you step in and report the abuse to prevent mistreatment from escalating. Florida elder abuse laws are designed to keep older Floridians legally protected against this serious form of abuse so that they can live safe, healthy lives.