Illinois Nursing Home Resident Gives Birth, Prompting Arrest

 Posted on October 17, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect

An arrest with charges of nursing home sexual abuse was made last March after a resident with disabilities gave birth. A 22-year-old Chicago man who was a staff member of the nursing home was charged after the investigation led to DNA samples being taken from employees. A routine checkup found that the resident – who is nonverbal – was pregnant, and the next day, she gave birth.

The woman had been a resident in the facility for two decades and was unable to walk independently. Her existing medical conditions caused her abdomen to become distended, which is why the pregnancy was not apparent.  While the incident is deeply disturbing, it highlights the need for better protection of residents in nursing homes.

The young man faces charges of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Battery, and Criminal Sexual Assault. In this particular nursing home, most or all of the residents have profound developmental disabilities. Although there was limited access to the residents' living areas by outsiders, employees were not restricted.

If you have a loved one in an Illinois nursing home and you believe he or she has experienced some type of nursing home abuse or neglect, it can be beneficial to speak to a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer from Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Among the Elderly or Disabled Population?

Any type of non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly or disabled person falls under sexual abuse. Clear-cut sexual acts are not the only types of non-consensual sexual contact; "unwelcome" sexual contact is also included. Examples of unwelcome or unwanted sexual contact include:

• Forcing an elderly or disabled person to undress

• Exposing oneself to an elderly or disabled person

•  Making sexual jokes or comments to the elderly or disabled person that are clearly inappropriate

• Coercing an elderly or disabled person to take part in a sexual conversation

• Touching an elderly or disabled person in a sexual manner without consent

• Groping an elderly or disabled person in a sexual manner without consent

• Taking a sexually explicit video or photo of an elderly or disabled person

• Using sexual language or gestures that make the elderly or disabled person uncomfortable

While it is hard for most of us to imagine, sexual abuse in nursing homes is all too common and just as often goes unreported. Sexual abusers prey on vulnerable populations, including the elderly or those whose disability leaves them unable to communicate or defend themselves. Residents with Alzheimer’s are also vulnerable to sexual abusers as they may not be able to remember the abuse or the person who committed the abuse.

Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse Among the Elderly or Disabled Population

There are physical and behavioral warning signs of sexual abuse of an elderly or disabled person, which include:

• Bleeding, irritation, or pain in the genital regions

• Bruising on the inner thighs or genitals

• Unexplained STDs or infections

• Increased difficulty in sitting or walking

• Pain when urinating

• Bloody, torn, or stained undergarments

• Agitation or an abrupt change in mood

• Anxiety or fear about bathing

• Refusing to eat

• PTSD symptoms

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or social situations

•  Nightmares

• A sudden and unusual fear of objects near the mouth

• Trouble swallowing

• Refusal to talk to loved ones

Contact a Chicago, IL Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you believe your loved one has been sexually abused, it is important to monitor him or her and take immediate action. Consider working with a dedicated Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorney from Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC who can help your family pursue justice. While money cannot undo the devastation caused by nursing home abuse, it can help cover unexpected costs that often result from such a crisis. Our firm has obtained many million-dollar settlements for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Contact Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC at 312-236-6324 to schedule your free consultation.