Reports of Sexual Abuse May Shock You But You Need to Follow Up

Sexual abuse is more common than anyone might believe.  Nursing home employees who like to abuse residents as a means of coping with their own lives or working out their frustrations are not above resorting to sexual abuse of nursing home residents.  When your loved one reports sexual abuse, you may want to believe that they are mistaken because you don’t want to have to believe that someone charged with their care violated them sexually.  However, you must listen to the claims of your family member so you can be sure they are investigated thoroughly.  Reports of sexual abuse may include claims of sexual contact or even rape.  Other sexual abuse can include posing residents for sexual photographs or forcing residents to disrobe against their will when it is not for a shower or other accepted procedure.  If your loved one trusts you enough to report abuse, keep their needs in mind and make sure their claims are investigated.  You can report abuse to administrators, but they may be unwilling to investigate.  Law enforcement officers and social service agencies can also handle claims of nursing home abuse that involves sexual misconduct.  If your loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, contact a Los Angeles nursing home abuse attorney to find out how you can prevent further abuse.