Elder sexual abuse lawyers in Virginia

When a horrific crime against an elder in Virginia calls for justice

Some subjects are so appalling that they’re difficult to talk about. But when an elderly person is sexually abused, silence is not an option. In fact, sexual predators often count on shame to prevent victims from speaking out.

Most elder victims of sexual abuse are women, and the abuse frequently occurs in an institutional setting such as a retirement home. In many cases, the victim may be physically or emotionally unable to report an attack. Any type of sexual abuse is unthinkable, but it can be agonizing to contemplate a situation in which the victim is completely defenseless.

If you suspect that an elderly person in your life has received unwanted sexual attention of any kind, you must protect the victim and take immediate action to hold the abuser accountable.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we’ll use our extensive experience with sexual assault cases to guide you through this difficult time. Nursing homes and elder care providers have an obligation to protect your loved ones. We consider it a calling to help elder victims in Virginia get the care they need.

Both of our partners, Ken Gibson and John Singleton, are highly experienced in addressing the unique challenges of sexual abuse cases. Ken Gibson’s background includes extensive experience in prosecuting sexual crimes for both the United States and Virginia, including cases of sexual assault. John Singleton has worked for large insurance companies, and on many criminal and civil sexual abuse cases during his career.

We understand that pursuing a sex abuse claim is very difficult for victims and their families. When you meet with us, we will treat you with the utmost respect and compassion. In Virginia, we can even protect your loved one’s identity throughout your case. Call our Virginia sex abuse victim lawyers at (804) 413-6777 to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

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How to know if someone is being sexually abused

Sexual abuse includes any unwanted touching or sexual activity. Most elderly victims are women, and the attacker may be a stranger, an acquaintance, or a caregiver.

Elders are particularly vulnerable to abuse. They are often frail, lacking the ability to defend themselves. And many elderly victims suffer from dementia or have cognitive or verbal impairments that make it difficult or impossible to report the abuse.

Elderly victims of sexual abuse may also be too ashamed to report it. And when they do come forward, they aren’t always believed or taken seriously.

To protect your loved one, be on the lookout for these signs of sexual abuse:

• Genital discomfort
• Genital and urinary tract infections
• Bruising and pelvic injuries
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Torn, stained, or bloody underwear or bedding
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Fear or nervousness around staff or other residents
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Physical and psychological trauma
• Decrease in overall well-being

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Are you concerned about a loved one in Virginia?

Sexual abuse is a crime that should be reported to the police. If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

It’s essential to make sure the attacker is being investigated by law enforcement. This will deter him from harming others and put his employer on notice that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

A Virginia personal injury lawyer experienced with sexual assault cases will conduct their own investigation while staying in contact with law enforcement officers. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we will give your case the highest level of attention that it deserves.

If a nursing home or care provider fails to protect your loved one from sexual abuse, they may be liable for the harm she has suffered. The following types of negligence and mismanagement can lead to sexual abuse in a care facility:

• Insufficient training to teach staff how to detect abuse
• Failure to screen employees for a history of abuse
• Failure to provide reasonable care
• Failure to monitor patients
• Covering up sexual abuse
• Medical neglect

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We offer dedicated legal services to help your elderly loved one

Ken Gibson is a former Federal and State Prosecutor, and John Gibson honed his trial skills working for large insurance companies. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we know how to work wisely and compassionately to achieve justice for your loved one. We believe that every victim of Virginia elder sexual abuse deserves financial compensation to get help and better care, and that those responsible should be held financially accountable.

Call (804) 413-6777 to meet with us in a free consultation to find out how we can help you and your loved one.

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