Get the Facts About Sexual Violence Against Senior Adults 65+

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: sexual abuse against senior adults.

Any form of abuse is harmful and heartbreaking, but sexual abuse can be especially difficult to talk about. And for victims, it can be even harder to report.

Defining Elder Abuse

When a senior adult (age 65+) 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

Here, we’ll focus on the last example.

What Is Sexual Abuse Against Seniors?

Sometimes called “elder sexual abuse,” this form of sexual violence 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 adults 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 senior adults may be committed by a caregiver, family member, healthcare worker, or anyone in a position of trust or authority.

Sexually 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 a senior without consent
• Taking or sharing intimate images without permission

Warning Signs to Watch For

It isn’t always easy to recognize that an older adult is being sexually abused. 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 Senior Adults May Not Report Sexual Abuse

Even in states with mandatory reporting laws, sexual abuse of older adults often goes unreported. Here’s why:

• Some seniors 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 seniors 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:

• 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 senior 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.