How many reported cases of sexual abuse of older men in nursing homes were confirmed?

Details

Previous research on sexual abuse of older adults had revealed few cases involving older men. This article reported the first national study of sexual abuse of vulnerable adults in facilities, which collected data on alleged, investigated and substantiated cases.

The study identified 26 reported cases screened in for investigation concerning alleged sexual abuse of men aged 50 and older living in nursing homes. The cases occurred in five states over a six-month period. Six of the 26 cases were confirmed upon investigation by Adult Protective Services or other regulatory agencies.

Victims tended to be predominantly white males with cognitive and physical deficits that limited their ability to care for themselves. Fondling was the most typical form of sexual abuse both alleged and substantiated. Residents were more often substantiated as the abuser than other perpetrators. The authors concluded that sexual abuse of older men in nursing homes crosses traditional gender, cultural and role boundaries for both victims and perpetrators.