Georgia Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Attorney

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse in a nursing home refers to any form of non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. This can include physical acts, verbal harassment, exposure to explicit materials, or unwanted sexual advances. In many cases, victims are elderly individuals who cannot consent due to cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Sexual abuse is not only a gross violation of a resident’s rights—it is a serious criminal offense. Nursing homes have a legal and moral obligation to protect residents from all forms of abuse. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable through both criminal and civil legal action.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in long-term care facilities can take many different forms. Some of the most commonly reported include:

• Unwanted touching or groping
• Forced sexual acts or penetration
• Sexual assault or rape
• Taking or sharing explicit photographs or videos
• Verbal sexual harassment
• Exposure to pornography
• Coercing or threatening a resident into sexual acts

Abusers may include staff members, other residents, or even visitors. Regardless of who the perpetrator is, nursing homes are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents.

Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is often difficult to detect, especially when the victim has difficulty communicating or is afraid to report it. Families should be aware of both physical and behavioral warning signs that may indicate abuse, such as:

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruising or bleeding, especially around the genital or anal areas
• Torn or stained undergarments
• Sudden development of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• Pain or swelling in private areas

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal or fearfulness
• Depression, anxiety, or agitation
• Panic attacks or emotional outbursts
• Reluctance to be alone with certain staff members or residents
• Regression in behavior (e.g., rocking, sucking thumb)

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to act quickly. Report your concerns to the nursing home administrator, local authorities, and contact an experienced Georgia nursing home sexual abuse lawyer right away.

Georgia Laws on Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

Georgia law treats sexual abuse of elders with the utmost seriousness. The state’s Adult Protective Services Act protects vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are legally required to screen employees, provide proper supervision, and report any suspected abuse to state authorities.

When a facility fails in these duties, they may be liable for:

• Medical expenses and therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of dignity
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Our legal team knows how to navigate both the civil and criminal aspects of elder abuse cases in Georgia.