Sexual and Physical Abuse

Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes

It is hard to know the prevalence of sexual and physical abuse in care facilities such as nursing homes. Nursing homes and other facilities try to explain away neglectful treatment that permits injuries such as bedsores or malnutrition. It is impossible to explain away abuse. As a result, nursing home administrators sometimes turn a blind eye to evidence that abuse is occurring in their facility.

Examples and signs of physical abuse

Physical abuse includes any type of deliberate action that causes injury or pain. This can be hitting, slapping, pinching, burning or choking. It can include the use of physical restraints and sedatives not medically warranted. Physical or chemical restraints should never be used a punishment. Family members who become aware of unexplained bruises, burns and other injuries should be concerned about potential abuse. Nursing home residents who suspect that another patient is being physically or even emotionally abused by a staff member or another patient need to let someone know of their concerns.

Examples and signs of sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can occur between patients or between facility staff and patients. Any form of nonconsensual sexual contact between patients constitutes abuse. This includes unwanted touching, rape, sodomy or the use of force to obtain sexual favors. Staff members aware of unwanted sexual conduct between patients are required to take steps to stop it. Any sexual contact between a staff person and a vulnerable adult constitutes sexual abuse, whether or not it was consensual.

Family members need to be aware of sudden changes in personality, especially if your loved one becomes withdrawn or fearful around particular staff members or other residents. If he or she reports physical or sexual abuse by staff members or patients, take the allegations seriously and look into the situation. If your concerns are not addressed quickly, take legal action. This is sometimes the only way to stop physical and sexual abuse.

Take steps to stop sexual, emotional and physical abuse

I help families struggling with situations involving physical or sexual abuse of a loved one in a nursing home. Because of my knowledge of nursing homes and the laws governing them, I am able to provide people with options that can protect their loved one from further harm. As a long-term nursing home supervisor, I know what can happen and how to stop it. As a lawyer, I can file complaints and petitions for restraining orders on behalf of the patient. Successful legal action against a nursing home sends a message to the operators of nursing homes that allowing improper sexual behavior or physical abuse will not be tolerated.

Contact my Seattle, Washington, law office to learn how I can help. Let me put my combination of nursing experience and legal knowledge to work for you and your loved one.