Alarming Statistics Regarding Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Sexual abuse occurs in nursing homes when someone, usually a staff member or another resident, forces a resident to engage in unwanted sexual activity. Physical contact does not necessarily have to occur. Showing residents photos of a sexual nature can also constitute sexual abuse in nursing homes.

Any type of abuse is alarming in nursing homes, but sexual abuse is a deep betrayal of trust. Family members should never have to worry about it occurring. Sadly, it happens more often than people think. Below, our Tampa sexual abuse attorney outlines some of the most alarming statistics.

Residents are Least Likely to Report Sexual Abuse 

There are many different types of nursing home abuse including physical and emotional abuse. Of the different types, residents are least likely to report sexual abuse because they are fearful, feel ashamed, they cannot communicate that the abuse is happening, or because they are dependent on their abusers. The following statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 show how rarely sexual abuse is reported in nursing homes:

• Only 1.9 percent of nursing home residents, or their loved ones, reported sexual abuse.
• 7 percent of nursing home staff members admitted to sexually abusing residents.
• Although data was collected regarding physical, emotional, and financial abuse, sexual abuse had the fewest number of reported cases.

The Number of Reports is Increasing 

In 2024, the National Ombudsman Reporting System tracked 1,816 complaints of sexual abuse in nursing homes. This was reportedly a 60 percent increase from 2017. The fact that the number of reported cases is somewhat encouraging, as it may mean residents are feeling more comfortable coming forward. Sadly, it likely also means that the number of incidents is also increasing. To make it even harder to determine the actual number of sexual abuse complaints, some agencies categorize sexual abuse as another type, such as physical abuse.

Dementia Patients and Women are at Higher Risk

Residents who are at highest risk of sexual abuse are women and those suffering from dementia. Dementia patients are often targeted because they may not realize that the abuse is happening. Even when they do, they may not be able to communicate about it. Generally speaking, women are at an increased risk of sexual abuse when compared with men. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 percent of women have been the victim of sexual violence, while 33 percent of men have reported being a victim at some point in their lives.

Our Sexual Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help Your Family

If you suspect that your loved one has been sexually abused by the very people entrusted with their care, you need legal help. At Kohn Law, our Tampa sexual abuse attorney can determine how it occurred, collect evidence to prove your case, and help your loved one obtain the full and fair compensation your loved one is entitled to. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the legal help your family needs.

Sources:

cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/index.html

who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people