Why Sex Offenders Target the Elderly and What You Can Do About It
Beyond the halls of law enforcement and justice, and before the last decade or so, the term "sex offender" was not a household word. Certainly, we've always known such crimes, now more broadly defined, have occurred, but because of their sensitive nature and out of concern for the victims, they were typically more the whisperings of neighborhoods or communities than they were the stuff of media headlines.
Now, however, we all understand that rape isn't the only convictable and reportable sex offense. Now, we all understand that victims aren't just women and/or young. Sex crimes mentally and physically impact people of both genders and all ages, including those who would appear the most unlikely, such as the elderly. Often, such victims are targeted for sexual abuse because they have limited physical power and are dependent on others. And since sexual assault is typically a function of power and control, this vulnerable population is at risk.
Some additional factors involved in sexual abuse of the elderly are outlined below:
- To the offender, victims may symbolize an authority figure against whom the offender wants to retaliate.
- The majority of assaults are by acquaintances, usually family members (including adult sons, spouses or siblings), caregivers, or housekeepers.
- Some elderly victims are battered women who have been repeatedly violated by their husbands for years. Shockingly, in some cases, sons assume their fathers' abusive behaviors when their mothers are widowed and/or elderly.
- Individuals with speech and language problems or cognitive impairments (both of which are common among older persons, especially victims of stroke) may be unable to cry for help or to disclose the abuse to others.
- Cognitive impairments may also mean that victims have little or no credibility if they do report the abuse.
- The general shame and taboo of sexual acts (even criminal ones) make it difficult for elders to discuss the abuse.
- People with severe lifelong disabilities and/or the elderly may not feel that they "own their bodies", which are constantly being manipulated by others, and they may have a harder time distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
- Sometimes the elderly's choices are not respected, so their "no" isn't always perceived as "no".
- The elderly and/or infirmed may have multiple caregivers, which increases the chances of abuse.
- Sometimes an older person may be considered inferior or disposable, which can lead offenders to think that sexual assault is permissible.
Despite increasingly-restrictive sex offender registration laws, one in five sex offenders in the U.S. fail to comply with registration requirements and their location is unknown. There is some indication that sex offenders move to states that have the least restrictive registration and notification laws, in order to live in communities with relative anonymity. Many times, they will apply for work positions in their new state of residence before registering as a sex offender…if they register at all.
As an AAHSA member, you strive for a high quality of care and of life for the older adults you serve. Your AAHSA vendor partner, USIS, can help you meet those goals. USIS Guardian™ National Sex Offender Search automatically searches the online sex offender registries of 49 states plus the District of Columbia, helping you to cost effectively weed out sex offenders who are on the move and intent upon harming your residents/patients. Hiring decisions are not delayed, since Guardian provides you with an answer within 24 to 72 hours.
USIS, the provider of choice for over 1,500 healthcare organizations nationwide, offers the most comprehensive suite of background screening and drug testing services tailored to your industry. Contact
Steve Walls, Director of Healthcare, at (800) 331-9175 x2199 or
Barbara Fuente, Director of Market Development, at (800) 331-9175 x2555 for more information on USIS Guardian or for assistance in developing a comprehensive background screening program for your facility.
Article Submitted by Barbara Fuente, Director of Market Development, USIS.
Sources:
Last Updated : 10/13/2006 1:30:44 PM
