More than 40 million people in the U.S. are aged 65 or older—a number that’s growing fast, thanks to the aging Baby Boomer generation. As this demographic expands, so does the need to understand and address a serious issue that’s too often overlooked: elder sexual abuse.
Elder abuse in any form is heartbreaking, but sexual abuse can be especially difficult to talk about. And for victims, it can be even harder to report.
So, what exactly is elder sexual abuse, and how can we help stop it?
Defining Elder Abuse
When an older person experiences distress or harm because of a trusted individual’s actions (or failure to act), that’s elder abuse.
This abuse can happen anywhere: in someone’s home, in a caregiver’s home, or in institutional settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The majority of elder abuse cases are reported from private homes.
There are several forms of elder abuse, including:
- Abandonment
- Emotional abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
Let’s focus on the last example—because it’s more common than most people think.
What Is Elder Sexual Abuse?
No Elder sexual abuse happens when someone engages in any sexual act with an older adult without their consent. That includes physical contact, unwanted touching, sexual assault, or coercion into sexual acts.
Some elders can’t legally consent to sexual activity due to medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The laws on consent and capacity vary by state, but the ethical responsibility remains clear: if someone can’t say yes, it’s abuse.
Sexual abuse of older adults may be committed by a caregiver, family member, healthcare worker, or anyone in a position of trust or authority.
Sexual Abusive Acts May Include:
- Unwanted touching of breasts, genitals, or buttocks
- Rape or attempted rape
- Coerced nudity
- Forced viewing of pornography
- Forced participation in sexual photography or videos
- Sexualized verbal harassment or threats
- Performing sexual acts in front of an elder without consent
- Taking or sharing intimate images without permission
Warning Signs to Watch For
Recognizing elder sexual abuse isn’t always easy. Victims might not speak up for many reasons—fear, shame, illness, or dependence on the abuser. But there are red flags:
- Reports or disclosures of sexual assault
- Bruising around breasts or genitals
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- Unexplained bleeding from the vagina or anus
- Sudden development of sexually transmitted infections
Why Elder Sexual Abuse Goes Unreported
Even in states with mandatory reporting laws, sexual abuse of older adults often goes unreported. Here’s why:
- Some elders can’t report due to cognitive or physical challenges
- They may rely on the abuser for food, bathing, or mobility
- They fear retaliation or being placed in a care facility
- Shame and stigma can keep them silent
- They may not want to get a loved one in trouble—even if that person is hurting them
And too often, when elders do report, they’re not believed. People may wrongly assume older adults are not targeted for sexual abuse or are too confused to be credible.
What You Can Do
Getting support for yourself or someone else is critical to prevent further harm, begin healing, and hold perpetrators accountable. Here are a few steps that can help:
In a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1
- Report the abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS). The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) provides APS information for all U.S. States and territories. Visit the NAPSA website.
- Reach out. You can contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone, chat, or text. It’s free, anonymous, and available 24/7.
- Find a trauma-informed therapist. Look for professionals who specialize in supporting older survivors of sexual trauma. Learn more.
You Can Help
We all have a role to play in protecting older adults. Learn your state’s elder abuse laws, be a safe person to talk to, and take action if something doesn’t feel right.
No matter your age, your voice matters. So does your safety.
Last updated: July 6, 2025