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Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
ERIC Number: EJ696760
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Dec
Pages: 9
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0016-9013
EISSN: N/A
Sexual Abuse of Older Adults: Aps Cases and Outcomes
Teaster, Pamela B.; Roberto, Karen A.
Gerontologist, v44 n6 p788 Dec 2004
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of sexual abuse cases among adults aged 60 and older receiving attention from Adult Protective Services units in Virginia over a 5-year period. Design and Methods: We used bivariate analysis to characterize older adults (n = 82) experiencing sexual abuse and the circumstances of the abuse. We used multiple correspondence analysis, a multivariate method, to explore relationships between characteristics of the older adults and the type of sexual abuse experienced. Results: Most victims of sexual abuse were women, between the ages of 70 and 89, residing in a nursing home. Typically, sexual abuse involved instances of sexualized kissing and fondling and unwelcome sexual interest in the person's body. The majority of perpetrators were nursing home residents who were 60 years of age and older. In most situations, witnesses to the sexual abuse were facility residents. Implications: Orientation affects the invasiveness of the sexual abuse experienced by older adults. Our data reveal a small but persistent number of cases identifying individuals who are especially vulnerable to this form of abuse. These findings establish a baseline for future research and set the stage for further examination in both domestic and institutional settings as well as possible interventions and staff training.
Gerontological Society of America, 1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005-1503. Web site: http://www.gerontologyjournals.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A