Sexual Assault & Physical Abuse

Sexual assault demeans and devalues its victims. When a vulnerable elderly adult is sexually assaulted in a place that is supposed to be safe, the consequences can be catastrophic, emotionally and physically. The problem is even worse for those who cannot express themselves or who are not believed. All too often these sexual predators are employees with a long history of criminal activity.

At NST nursing home neglect law firm, we have investigated many cases involving sexual assaults at care facilities. If you have reasons to suspect your loved one was assaulted, it is important to get them into a safe environment and to hold the nursing home, assisted care facility, or group home accountable.

• Nursing home safety: The nursing home, group home, or assisted living facility should take steps to assure that staff members and other residents do not present the risk of sexual assault.
• Patient monitoring: The nurses, aides, and doctor should all be aware of sudden changes in your loved one's emotional or physical health. They also need to respond to and take seriously alarms from patients.
• Staff training: Staff members should be trained to recognize the signs of sexual assault or of any other emotional or physical abuse.

The window of opportunity for ensuring that a resident is examined and treated for suspected rape is a very narrow one. Sperm typically lives for only 24 to 72 hours. When a sexual assault is suspected, clothing and bedding should be placed in paper bag and sent with the resident to the emergency department. Also, the police should be notified immediately.

While you cannot change what happened to your loved one, you can hold those responsible for the violent act. Contact an NST nursing home sexual assault lawyer about the actions you can take.