Sexual Abuse in Care Homes

At different stages of life, people may need external support with everyday tasks due to challenges such as cognitive decline, physical limitations, and even drug dependence issues. Residential care homes are supposed to provide consistent and compassionate support to people dealing with such problems. Unfortunately, not everyone in this type of facility can be trusted to respect the rights and autonomy of the residents under their care.

Sexual abuse in care homes is a very serious issue in residential care facilities of all kinds across the U.S. However, just as in all other forms of sexual mistreatment, it can serve as grounds for civil litigation, which can help abuse victims regain control of their lives. If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault or abuse of any kind while residing in this type of facility, the sexual abuse attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help you pursue comprehensive compensation for your losses.

Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse in a Care Home

Since care homes are designed to provide 24-hour support to vulnerable individuals, it is not uncommon for sexual abuse within a care home to go unreported by those directly affected. These people may fear reprisal if they talk about their experiences or are unable to communicate clearly. Moreover, abusers usually try very hard to hide their actions from facility visitors and supervisors at work, making it difficult for even determined family members to know that anything is wrong.

Some subtle symptoms of sexual abuse may be observed in a facility of this type. These include:

• Sexually transmitted infections without clear explanations
• Bruises or blood seen on intimate areas of the body
• Pain during urination or bowel movements
• Bloodied or torn clothing, particularly underwear
• Sudden anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from family members or favorite activities
• Unusually intimate relationship or extreme nervousness or fear around a particular caregiver
• Body image issues
• Refusal by a facility staff member to allow a resident to have any visitors or be alone with them

Anyone whose family member displays more than one of these signs should strongly consider discussing their legal options with a sexual abuse lawyer. They should also think about contacting local police to help them move their family member to a safe place.

Holding Liable Parties Accountable for Damages

Money alone cannot entirely erase the pain and trauma that sexual abuse causes for a care home resident. However, it can minimize the long-term financial consequences of that abuse and reduce the severity of physical and psychological losses stemming from it.

In practice, this means that a lawsuit over care home sexual misconduct may need to incorporate economic damages such as medical expenses and personal property damage. In addition, it may include non-economic damages such as physical pain and emotional anguish. A qualified legal professional from Phillips Law Group can discuss what losses should be factored into a particular case.

Contact a Seasoned Attorney Regarding Care Home Sexual Abuse

All residents in every type of residential care home deserve consistent and compassionate support from every employee in that facility. Sadly, some care home workers are not diligent enough in this regard, resorting to extremes by knowingly abusing the people who trust them to provide daily care.

Taking legal action over sexual abuse in care homes can be harrowing and challenging in many respects. However, guidance from a seasoned sexual abuse lawyer can help you achieve the best possible case result for your family. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn what the Phillips Law Group team can do for you.