We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
A Systematic Review of Sexual Assaults in Nursing Homes.
- Authors
Smith, Daisy; Bugeja, Lyndal; Cunningham, Nicola; Ibrahim, Joseph E
- Abstract
Purpose of the Study The dramatic growth in the older adults (65 years+) has created an equivalent increase in the number of nursing home (NH) residents. NH residents often lack physical and cognitive abilities, making them particularly vulnerable to assault. Although sexual assault is among one of the most shocking types of assault, it is also the least acknowledged, detected, and reported type of assault against NH residents. This systematic review examines victim/perpetrator sociodemographic and relationship characteristics as well as the forensic characteristics of sexual assaults occurring in NH. Design and Methods A 7 database systematic search of studies published between January 1, 1949 and October 26, 2015 was conducted that examined sexual assaults in NH. Articles reporting on sexual assault in NH and other institutional settings were eligible. Community-dwelling populations and studies not describing sexual assault or physical aspects of sexual assault were excluded. Sexual assault was not restricted to a single definition, study method, or country. Results Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Sexual assault was the least reported type of assault in NH. Victims of sexual assault were likely to be females with cognitive or physical impairments. Perpetrators were likely to be male residents, although staff members were also substantiated. Forensic characteristics and investigative data were limited. Study limitation included inconsistencies between study purposes and small sample sizes. Implications This review highlights a gap in knowledge regarding sexual assaults in NH and demonstrates a need for better staff training in detecting, examining, and managing sexual assaults in NH.
- Subjects
COGNITION; HOSPITAL medical staff; NURSING care facilities; PEOPLE with disabilities; SEX crimes; CRIME victims; SYSTEMATIC reviews; SAMPLE size (Statistics); INDEPENDENT living; HEALTH literacy; EDUCATION
- Publication
Gerontologist, 2018, Vol 58, Issue 6, pe369
- ISSN
0016-9013
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/geront/gnx022