Realizing that your loved one suffered sexual abuse while in a nursing home can prove absolutely devastating. According to the National Research Council, elder abuse in residential long-term care settings often goes unreported. Sexual abuse can include any nonconsensual sexual involvement of any kind, from rape to unwanted touching or indecent exposure.
You may feel guilty for not intervening earlier, but do not panic. Instead, focus on seeking justice and comfort for your loved one by consulting a Lyons sexual abuse lawyer. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm wants to discuss your case to see if we may help you seek the justice your loved one deserves. Call us.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual assault comprises many types of actions. All types, however, hold one thing in common: They happen against the victim’s will or without their consent. Sexual assault also covers actions that occur when an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, disabled, or below the age of consent in the state where the assault transpired.
The National Institute of Justice lists the following activities as forms of sexual assault when they happen in the above circumstances:
- Intentionally touching the victim’s genitals, breasts, groin, or anus
- Exposing the victim to exhibitionisms
- Exposing the victim to pornography
- Voyeurism
- Publicly displaying images taken of the victim in a “private context” or without their knowledge
These actions may or may not involve the use of actual force, weapons, threats of force, intimidation, coercion, or pressure.
Rape
Although in some states, sexual assault stops short of attempted rape or rape, other states use the terms interchangeably, and still others consider rape to be a form of sexual assault. In a situation of rape, the victim suffers nonconsensual penetration (vaginal, anal, or oral), either by objects or the perpetrator’s body parts. This type of assault involves physical force or threats of physical harm. Alternatively, the victim is considered a minor or was incapacitated at the time of the assault.
Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Includes Sexual Abuse
Although elder abuse of any kind violates the law, especially traumatic breaches may involve the potential sexual abuse of your loved one. Of course, if you suspect your loved one suffered sexual abuse, then their quality of life may suffer due to the actions of a nursing home staff member or third party. The National Research Council states that nursing home residents who suffered sexual abuse also proved more likely to experience physical and/or emotional abuse. Do not wait to hold all liable parties accountable. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to discuss your legal rights.
Information on Elder Abuse Reporting
According to the National Institute of Justice, the extent of elder abuse victimization is uncertain, but sexual abuse qualifies as a widely underreported form of elder abuse. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, physical symptoms of sexual abuse may include bruises around the inner thighs and genitals, torn, stained, or bloodied clothing, or sometimes no physical symptoms are exhibited at all.
In addition to a lack of physical symptoms, the sexual abuse your loved one experienced may continue at the nursing home. Remember that different types of abuse go hand-in-hand, and discerning what happened without a direct report can make it difficult to hold the right person accountable. Some signs of sexual abuse overlap with symptoms of emotional abuse, psychological neglect, and more. These may include symptoms like irritability, social isolation, panic attacks, suicide attempts, changing patterns in eating and sleeping, and more.
Each case has unique factors and nuances. Your loved one’s condition may require a more thorough investigation by legal experts. If you suspect that your loved one suffered sexual abuse in a nursing home, do not wait to contact a Lyons sexual abuse lawyer who can begin working on your potential case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a Sexual Abuse Lawyer serving Lyons, call (800) 794-0444
Legal Options for Sexual Abuse Victims
Do not feel alone if you suspect that your loved one experienced sexual abuse. While no single formalized reporting process exists, you can alert the right authorities and investigative figures. For example, consider contacting your local designated ombudsman and other in-county resources like the Elder Justice Help Desk through Cook County. Using resources like these may initially build up your case in order to hold the right people accountable for their actions.
Civil Claims for Sexual Assaults
Illinois law stipulates that a person automatically commits aggravated criminal sexual assault if the victim is 60 years of age or older. This law helps to ensure the safety of elderly adults residing in nursing homes and also those in need of filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit after a sexual assault.
Civil claims in nursing home abuse cases may cover your needs if you seek compensation for any losses suffered. Your potential claims may include personal injury, breach of contract, or medical malpractice. No clear-cut approach to a sexual abuse legal battle exists, so consulting with a Lyons sexual abuse lawyer may help you understand your options and your legal interests.
When you work with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we may ease the burden of the litigation process so that you can focus on your loved one’s recovery. We may handle everything from collecting evidence to fighting for your rights in and out of court. Our lawyers want to see if they can represent your interests and help you access your legal options.
Lyons Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Seek Justice for Sexual Abuse Victims
When sexual abuse happens, you have a right to try to hold all liable parties accountable for their actions. Not only may pursuing your case benefit your family and your loved one, but it may also set higher standards for nursing home care in the future.
Elder abuse of any form should not occur, and all victims of abuse deserve to have their rights defended by lawyers who care. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may begin working on your case as soon as you call for a free consultation. Reach out to a Lyons sexual abuse lawyer by calling.
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