This article explores the issue of sexual abuse of vulnerable younger and older adults living in long-term care facilities. Clinical findings regarding the sexual abuse of adults who are elderly or have disabilities are presented, and practice implications for psychiatric nurses are discussed. A review of relevant existing literature and previous research is provided. A research study presently under way is then described. This is the first national study of sexual abuse in long-term care. This study seeks to fill current knowledge gaps and inform the practice of nursing and other professionals who are responsible for the care of vulnerable adults.
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