But anyone can affect sexual violence. Whether you are a survivor of a sexual crime, or want to help someone who has survived a sexual crime, knowing the right information is the first step to recovery.
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Keep in mind that sexual abuse may be one element of the abuse. There could be other instances of neglect, misuse of medications, physical assault, emotional mistreatment and misuse of elder’s finances.
As victims, the elderly often suffer in silence with overwhelming feelings of shame and embarrassment. They don’t want to believe what is happening to them and are afraid that it will worsen if they do come forward.
Elderly victims can have memory lapses or have difficulty expressing their abuse. All of which makes it difficult for the elderly to talk about what is occurring.
There is limited research on the abuse of the elderly, but it is estimated that roughly 2/3 of all elder abusers are family members 1. One study documented that 12.2% of older victims were sexually assaulted in their home; 2.4% were assaulted in an adult care residence; 14.6% were assaulted in the abuser’s home and 70.7% of older victims were assaulted in a nursing home 2.
Help is available by contacting PAAR at 1-866-END-RAPE. Counseling and medical and legal advocacy services are available to all victims of sexual violence. All services are free.You can also call the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging at 412-350-6905 or 1-800-344-4319 to report abuse or neglect. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reporting can be anonymous.
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
81 South 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
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