Sexual Abuse of Older Adults: Preliminary Findings of Cases in Virginia

ABSTRACT

Aggregated data from APS case files of sexually abused adults in Virginia aged 60 years and older were collected from July 1, 1996-June 30, 1999, yielding a total of 42 substantiated cases for the three years of collection. Data reveal demographic trends; ability to care for self; type, pattern, and place of abuse; information on witnesses and alleged offenders; and case resolution and outcomes. Results show that the majority of cases (n = 40) concerned women over 70 years of age residing in facilities; offenders were men (n = 40). Most cases were not prosecuted. Implications of these data are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual abuse
• older adult
• adult protective services
• elder abuse
• outcomes
• perpetrators