Sexual abuse of older adults: Preliminary findings of cases in Virginia

Aggregated data from APS case files of sexually abused adults in Virginia a ged 60 years and older were collected from July 1, 1996-June 30, 1999, yiel ding a total of 42 substantiated cases for the three years of collection. D ata reveal demographic trends; ability to care for self; type, pattern, and place of abuse; information on witnesses and alleged offenders; and case r esolution and outcomes. Results show that the majority of cases (n = 40) co ncerned women over 70 years of age residing in facilities; offenders were m en (n = 40). Most cases were not prosecuted. Implications of these data are discussed. (C) 2000 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights rserved.