Senior suffer abuse...

Seniors are frequently the victims of random violence such as; assault, robbery, and rape. Adults are not necessarily less susceptible to these crimes as they age. Old age and impairment decrease personal power and thereby increase risk of abuse.

Consequently, elderly, disabled females make excellent sexual abuse targets. Seniors are much more likely to be sexually abused in their homes than on the outside.

Individuals judged to be an easy target are often preyed upon, both outside and inside the home. Seniors often fall into this category because of their increased vulnerability complicated by:

  • physical frailty or diminished ability to defend themselves

  • dependency on assistance from others (e.g. driving, heavy cleaning, etc.)

  • predictable and set routines often living alone dementia or cognitive impairments

Common Experiences of Senior Victims:

  • feelings of helplessness fear of outside people finding out

  • physical trauma overprotective families / loss of freedom

  • confusion about how this could happen major changes in lifestyle

What Seniors Need:

Nonjudgmental emotional support protection from access by the abuser medical care legal remedies when appropriate and wanted

Sexually & Seniors

About 85% of senior victims are women. The remaining 15% are men. 98% of the abusers are male.

How Can I be Safer with Caregivers?

AVOID ISOLATION - Most abusers are people you know. They user your isolation or dependence to their advantage. Encourage and maintain contact with others (e.g. friends, church members, visiting nurses, adult daycare, etc.) The more people who are in contact with you, the better.

DON'T KEEP QUITE At the first sign of potential abuse or inappropriate behavior, speak up. Don't be an easy target. If someone makes you uncomfortable or frightened, ask for help immediately.

CAREFULLY SCREEN WHO HAS ACCESS O YOUR HOME. No one has a right to make you feel unsafe, including your children or grandchildren. Limit access to your home to those you completely trust.

General Safety Precautions

Don't give personal information over the phone Don't make it obvious if you are living alone Vary your routine. Don't be too predictable Have trusted friends and family check on you regularly Keep your doors and windows locked Don't open your door to someone you don't know or feel uncomfortable about Avoid walking alone, especially at night Carry yourself in a confident and alert manner Don't be afraid to make a scene if you feel threatened or scared

Getting Help

If you have been sexually abused, you do not have to suffer alone. Discreet help is available.

Timely medical care is essential. Call the police and your local rape crisis center for assistance in getting a medical exam. Evidence collection may be taken a this time for use should you wish to prosecute. This procedure will not be charged to you personally.

If you report to police, you may also be eligible for CRIME VICTIM'S COMPENSATION for your medical and other expenses. Crime Victim's Compensation 1-800-826-6200

**Note: You may use the confidential services of rape crisis center regardless of whether you have reported the abuse to the police. That will be your decision alone. North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services