Sexual Abuse of Older Adults: Appropriate Responses for Health and Human Services Providers

Abstract

Helpful and appropriate responses by health and human services providers to cases of suspected elder sexual abuse are often challenged by lack of awareness of how best to proceed. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the concept, scope and dynamics of elder sexual abuse and to offer suggestions for appropriate responses that are applicable across a wide range of health and social services. Definitions, demographic aspects and proposed causes of elder sexual abuse are discussed. Risk profiles for both community-dwelling older adults and those living in facilities are presented as a guide for professionals, followed by a discussion of physical and psychological signs of sexual abuse, and approaches for determining a client's capacity to consent to sexual activity Finally, recommendations for appropriate responses once it is determined that abuse is likely to have occurred, including meeting obligations as a mandated reporter and providing effective communication and support to victims, are provided.