title: Clinical issues in responding to alleged elder sexual abuse.
abstract: Elder sexual abuse allegations are both complicated for Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers to investigate and difficult to resolve effectively. This article explores clinical issues involved in the investigation of sexual abuse by APS workers and describes problems experienced in assisting victims. The model of elder sexual abuse consultation developed and used in Massachusetts is described, along with other resources put in place by the Massachusetts Elder Protective Services Program to help caseworkers respond effectively to alleged and substantiated sexual abuse. Examples of effective investigation and case management are presented along with examples of errors that can occur when professionals are insufficiently trained, supervised, and guided.
authors.affiliation: Sexual Abuse Consultation Group
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chihowski
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019090:Case Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011902:Rape / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods*