Orange County Elderly Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Orange County Elderly Sexual Abuse Attorney

Sexual abuse can happen at any age, including among elders. Elderly sexual abuse typically happens when non-consensual acts are performed on seniors who cannot consent due to health conditions like dementia. Abuse can happen anywhere and by anyone, including staff members, fellow residents, or visitors at care facilities. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from sexual abuse, an Orange County elderly sexual abuse lawyer can help.

Compassionate Sexual Abuse Attorney

Our skilled team at Hunter Law, PC, can help you and your loved one hold the nursing home accountable for damages resulting from their negligence. Our lead attorney, Stephen Hunter, has a decade of experience advocating for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in California. Our team is committed to holding care facilities accountable and making sure your loved one is protected and justice is served.

Elder Sexual Abuse

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people over 60 years of age are abused when in adult care facilities. Abuse can include sexual abuse, which occurs when someone engages in a sexual act without the older adult’s consent. This includes physical contact, sexual assault, unwanted touching, or pressure to perform sexual acts.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are not legally able to give consent to sexual activities, and laws are in place to protect this vulnerable population. Being able to recognize the signs of sexual abuse can help you protect your loved one’s safety.

Physical Signs of Sexual Abuse

It isn’t always easy to recognize the signs of sexual abuse in older adults, which is why so many cases go unreported. Victims may not speak up out of fear, shame, inability, or the control of the abuser. Things to look out for are:

• Genital or anal bleeding or bruising
• Ripped clothes or undergarments, often also stained
• Reports of sexual assault
• Having sexually transmitted infections
• Pain when sitting or walking
• Emotional changes

It is important for loved ones to stay vigilant about their loved one’s demeanor and physical condition when visiting. Too often, sexual abuse goes unreported when it occurs in nursing facilities. This may be because some seniors are unable to report the abuse due to physical or cognitive impairments.

Emotional Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse

When a resident does not speak or physically cannot speak about the abuse they are enduring, they may exhibit psychological and behavioral changes. Non-physical signs of sexual abuse can include your loved one isolating themselves or avoiding contact with certain people. The sudden onset of mental changes, such as sadness, anxiety, or fearfulness for no apparent reason, can also be signs of abuse.

Other signs can include becoming defensive or angry when touched or giving verbal cues about being hurt or not wanting to be touched. They may also suffer from nightmares or show increased fear at bedtime.

One heartbreaking trauma response from abuse is pseudodementia or “false dementia,” which causes the victim to develop self-soothing mechanisms like rocking, mumbling, or appearing to decline cognitively. It is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional to rule out a true neurological impact.

Environmental Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse

Facilities can also show environmental signs of abuse that you should be on the lookout for. One potential sign is a lack of adequate supervision in areas where residents are vulnerable and spend time alone with staff or visitors, such as in a private room, bathroom, or shower room. It is also important to look into past violations and complaints against the nursing home, which can be found by contacting the Department of Public Health in California.

If you suspect that your loved one has experienced sexual abuse while in an Orange County nursing home, it is important to reach out to a skilled attorney immediately. Our lead attorney at Hunter Law, PC, is a leading advocate for the elderly who speaks out against abuse and negligence that occurs in nursing care facilities. Stephen Hunter is well-versed in elder care laws, and he can help you navigate through court proceedings at the Orange County Superior Court.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Elderly Sexual Abuse Law

How Do I Report Elderly Sexual Abuse in California Anonymously?

If you suspect that a senior you care for is being abused, you may anonymously report this abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) or report it to local law enforcement. While filing the report, you can choose to remain anonymous. California protects the anonymity of those who choose to remain confidential when reporting. Even mandatory reporters can choose to request confidentiality when filing their report.

What Is the Elder Abuse Law in California?

In California, the elder abuse law refers to the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, which protects elder adults from physical, mental, and financial abuse. This law criminalizes willful abuse or neglect and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the abuse.

What Evidence Do You Need for an Elderly Sexual Abuse Case?

Evidence is very important when proving that elderly sexual abuse occurred. A combination of physical and digital evidence, witness testimony, and detailed logs of the abuse or neglect can help show that abuse took place. Expert witnesses are often called upon during litigation to help corroborate the evidence.

Physical evidence and documentation can include pictures or physical evidence of physical injuries and torn clothes. Medical records can help show a timeline of the injuries and the decline in health.

Who Can Sue for Elderly Sexual Abuse in California?

In California, claims for elderly sexual abuse can be filed by the victim, their spouse, a trustee, conservator, personal representative, or an attorney-in-fact. If the victim has passed away, the heir or successor can sue the facility. Reach out to an Orange County elder sexual abuse lawyer if you suspect your loved one is suffering from sexual abuse. We can work to move them to safety and seek justice for what occurred.

Hire an Elderly Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Our firm at Hunter Law, PC, is backed by proven results and focused efforts to protect our elderly community members. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Anaheim Elderly Falls & Fractures Law Resources:

• Elder Abuse in America
• Reporting Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
• Pressure Ulcer AKA Bedsore: A Common Injury in Elder Abuse Cases
• When To Consult An Attorney: Elder Abuse and Neglect
• California Nursing Home Abuse Laws – All You Need To Know
• Legal Protection Against Elder Financial Abuse in California: What You Need to Know
• How to File an Elder Abuse Lawsuit in California
• Warning Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse in California Nursing Homes
• Why Experience Matters in Fighting Elder Abuse Lawsuits