Sexual Abuse
Elder sexual abuse includes any sexual contact with an elder who, because of mental illness or dementia, cannot communicate their disapproval of the behaviour against them or cannot communicate consent for the activity.
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What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is understood as contact resulting from threats or force or the inability of a person to give consent.
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What are some examples of sexual abuse?
Assault; rape; sexual harassment; intercourse without consent; fondling a confused senior; intimately touching a senior during bathing; exposing oneself to seniors; inappropriate sexual comments; or any sexual activity that occurs when one or both parties cannot or do not consent.
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What are some of the signs of sexual abuse?
Symptoms include withdrawal from friends or usual activities , changes in behaviour, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety.