A Case and Intervention for Older Adult Sexual Mistreatment

TL;DR

This paper addresses the underreported issue of sexual mistreatment in older adults and offers healthcare providers a framework to detect and manage such cases effectively.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel framework for healthcare professionals to screen, detect, and manage sexual mistreatment in older adults.

Findings

Sexual mistreatment in older adults is underreported due to embarrassment, fear, and societal stigma.

Healthcare providers can play a key role in identifying and managing such mistreatment through interprofessional collaboration.

A literature review from 2005-2024 supports the need for improved detection practices in clinical settings.

Abstract

The sexual mistreatment of older adults is a significant public health issue; like other forms of sexual violence, it is more prevalent than officially reported. Survivors often hesitate to speak out due to feelings of embarrassment, fear, or potential cognitive impairments. Moreover, the concealment of such mistreatment, coupled with societal stigmas surrounding aging and sexuality, creates challenges in recognizing sexual mistreatment during routine or emergency room visits.

This paper provides a framework for informing physicians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers on best practices screening, detection, and management of sexual mistreatment in older adults.

A literature review of older adult sexual mistreatment articles between 2005-2024 was conducted.

Medical professionals and psychiatrists are well-positioned to raise awareness and identify sexual mistreatment in older adults and manage such situations when suspected.

Assessing suspected sexual mistreatment can improve detection, responsiveness, and patient safety for older adults through an interprofessional approach.

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