Aging and Elder Sexual Abuse

Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or another person that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older adult, typically aged 60 or older. It manifests in various forms, including physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and sexual abuse. The intersection of age with disability, gender, socioeconomic status, and social isolation can increase the risks older adults face, making them particularly vulnerable to mistreatment.^{1, 2} Addressing elder abuse requires recognizing these complex social and cultural factors, ensuring that generational and cultural perspectives on abuse do not prevent seniors from receiving the protection and support required.^2-4 

Aging adults, often referred to as seniors, face unique challenges and vulnerabilities that are frequently overlooked, making elder abuse a critical issue that perpetuates cycles of harm and silence. Elder abuse is an often overlooked issue affecting aging adults. Research indicates that one in ten people over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse.¹ It can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect.^3-4 Understanding the complexities surrounding elder abuse and fostering a supportive community are essential to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of older adults.

The Role of Caregivers and Institutions

Seniors who rely on caregivers or live in assisted living environments face increased vulnerability.³ While many caregivers provide compassionate and respectful care, instances of neglect and abuse do occur. Caregiver burnout, inadequate training, and oversight can contribute to environments where mistreatment is more likely to happen (e.g., assisted living communities).^{2, 5} Dependence on caregivers for basic needs creates a power imbalance, making it more difficult for seniors to speak up about mistreatment. Because of this, it is specifically important for institutions to prioritize proper training, monitoring, and clear reporting protocols to mitigate mistreatment. 

Barriers to Reporting Abuse

Difficulty Disclosing

One of the most significant barriers seniors face is that it can be difficult for them to disclose abuse. Coming forward can be difficult for many reasons, including lapses in memory, fear of retaliation, feelings of shame, or a lack of access to resources. Seniors who rely on caregivers or live in assisted living environments are especially vulnerable.^2,3 Societal perceptions of aging and sexuality minimize senior experiences, which can often lead to shame and avoidance when reporting sexal abuse. Additionally, cultural norms and generational perceptions of abuse influence how seniors interpret their experiences. What may be recognized as abusive by one culture or generation may not be perceived the same way by another, particularly if certain behaviors have been normalized. Some seniors may sense mistreatment, but struggle to define it as abuse.²

Aging and Sexuality

Societal perceptions of aging and sexuality further diminish senior survivor experiences, often leading to disbelief or dismissal when sexual abuse is reported. Many people believe that seniors aren’t sexually active and that they aren’t sexually desired. This is coupled with another common misconception, which is that sexual violence is caused by sexual lust rather than an exertion of power. Many people view sexual assault as a sexual act, rather than viewing it as an act of violence. As a result, many people don’t believe seniors are sexually assaulted, and are less likely to believe or suspect it is happening.

Cognitive Impairments and Consent

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia compounds the challenges of reporting abuse and providing consent.⁵ Cognitive impairments make it difficult for seniors to articulate their experiences, recognize abuse, or remember specific incidents. As a result, reports may be dismissed or not taken seriously, further hindering access to justice and support services.

Promoting Well-Being

Empowering seniors involves more than just protecting them from harm; it requires recognizing their inherent value and ensuring their voices are heard. Older adults are not a uniform group, and their experiences, abilities, and needs vary drastically. The term “elder” encompasses a broad age range, with vast differences in physical and cognitive abilities.⁵ Some may remain highly independent and active, while others require significant assistance, challenging the misconception that all seniors are equally vulnerable to specific forms of abuse.

Listening to their diverse experiences, involving them in decision-making processes, and respecting their autonomy, we can create an environment where seniors feel safe, valued, and respected.² Recognizing this spectrum of aging helps ensure that advocacy and protective efforts are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. By prioritizing respect, education, and advocacy, we can work to eliminate the barriers that inhibit justice and healing while promoting the dignity and well-being of all older adults, regardless of their level of independence.

Sources

1. Yon, Y., Mikton, C. R., Gassoumis, Z. D., & Wilber, K. H. (2017). Elder abuse prevalence in community settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 5(2), e147-e156. DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30006-2 
2. Fraga Dominguez, S., Storey, J. E., & Glorney, E. (2021). Help-Seeking Behavior in Victims of Elder Abuse: A Systematic Review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 22(3), 466-480. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838019860616 
3. Setterlund, D., Tilse, C., Wilson, J., McCawley, A. L., & Rosenman, L. (2007). Understanding financial elder abuse in families: the potential of routine activities theory. Ageing & Society, 27(4), 599-614. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X07006009 
4. Yunus, R. M., Hairi, N. N., & Choo, W. Y. (2019). Consequences of elder abuse and neglect: A systematic review of observational studies. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(2), 197-213. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838017692798 
5. Downes, C., Fealy, G., Phelan, A., Donnelly, N. A., & Lafferty, A. (2013). Abuse of older people with dementia: A review.