Unit 1 - Florida Council Against Sexual Violence

Show slide, Pattern of “Hidden” abuse
Slide:
Pattern of “Hidden”
abuse
Speaking Points:
• Hidden pattern -- often goes undetected and may only
come to light because of reports of other types of
abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Older adults are often uniquely isolated, dependent
and, therefore, at high risk. They may have retired
here and the rest of the family is still in another state,
so there is no one close by.
• To perpetrators, this makes them very appealing as
victims.
Ask participants to give examples by describing their
experiences in investigating other crimes where there may
have also been suspected sexual abuse.
Show slide, Who are the victims?
Slide:
Who are the victims?
Discuss the profile of “typical” elder victim
Speaking Points:
• experiencing infirmities of aging
• oldest is most easily victimized
• disabled and physically or mentally impaired are at
highest risk
• often dependent on caregiver or the caregiver may be
dependent on them for shelter or money – there is an
imbalance of power
• may be part of on-going pattern of domestic violence
• the older adult victim may also be a prior victim of
rape or childhood sexual abuse, so they may be retraumatized
FCASV Elder Sexual Abuse Trainer’s Guide 14
Unit 1