HERSHEY, Pa. — An estimated nine million older adults around the world experience sexual violence or abuse, including rape or other unwanted sexual contact, each year, according to the journal Trauma, Violence, & Abuse.
The actual number is likely higher. Many older survivors of sexual violence, especially men, don't report it. They might fear no one will believe them or people will blame them for what happened, said Vicky Reilly, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program co-chair at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center.
"Many times when this happens with the geriatric population, the shame is overwhelming," Reilly said. "Often the assault is perpetrated by someone they're related to or relying upon, so speaking up has huge personal and emotional consequences."
Sexual abuse can have immediate and lasting effects on physical and mental health. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, sexual assault nurse examiners – who have special training to help sexual abuse survivors stay safe – share what you need to know.
Warning signs of sexual abuse
Some older people are not mentally or physically well enough to speak up about sexual abuse or other elder abuse. Watch for:
- unexplained bruising or bite marks on the genital area, thighs, buttocks, breasts, face or neck.
- signs of control and estrangement, like if a caregiver becomes an older person's spokesperson – even though they're capable of expressing themselves – and controls everything they do.
"Maintaining contact is very important," Reilly said. "Watch your loved one when they're in the room with someone. Do they look scared? Are they afraid to talk? Say something like: ‘I noticed you've been acting differently when that person comes around. Is everything OK?’"
- situations when strangers might visit your loved one's home when they're alone. Offer to stop by and ask for guests' contact information.
Sexual assault can be emotionally traumatic and physically harmful, especially in older people. "Elderly people more commonly suffer injuries during sexual assault," said Heather Owen, SANE Program co-chair at St. Joseph Medical Center. Skin loses elasticity and can tear more easily. Bruising and other physical injuries can be more severe in older adults, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Compassionate care for survivors
At the St. Joseph Medical Center emergency department, survivors can go to the SANE room – a quiet, dedicated area for medical forensic exams after a sexual assault. "The first thing we're going to do is make sure there are not any immediate medical needs that must be cared for," Owen said. Some survivors have bleeding, strangulation injuries, brain injuries or broken bones, for example.