Kate Swaffer is a well-known activist, independent researcher, and leader in the international community who was diagnosed with a form of younger onset frontotemporal dementia in 2008. Her bio can be found here on ABeautifulVoice.org with other esteemed Influencers.
Sexual Assault in Residential Aged Care
In this video (6:57 min.) posted on Kate’s website, she speaks about the abuse, neglect, and violence – including sexual assault – in residential aged care. She states that in two separate reports, the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care estimated that 50 sexual assaults occur in residential aged care every week – in Australia alone. And, she adds: “The research is clear that the victims are women with dementia.”
Kate asks, “Given that sexual assault is such a significant issue for people with dementia, why has so little been done to prevent it? The answer to this is very complex.”
She cites the pervasiveness of ageism, lack of education, stigma about dementia, and the devaluing of people with dementia as contributing forces.
“… Some service providers think if someone with dementia is sexually assaulted, they won’t feel distress and they won’t remember the sexual assault… So ‘it doesn’t matter.’ This is truly appalling.”
“58% of sexual assaults reported by staff concluded there were ‘no adverse consequences for the resident.'” This attitude is also appalling. It is a compelling indicator of the dire need for education. Why? … Because it does matter.
“Me Too” Moments in the Nursing Home
It is wrong when “me too” moments in the nursing home are not recognized as a violation of the person living with dementia. It is apparent that staff education is woefully and shockingly missing on this taboo topic.
IF it is discovered and reported, it is not only awkward and confusing when this violation is ineptly and dismissively handled. It is distressing and humiliating. Thus, it is never resolved for those who inadvertantly become witness to the encounter.
Changing a culture which sweeps it under the carpet requires compassionate leaders with moral courage who are knowledgeable and educated on this sensitive topic.
Addressing society’s regard for people living with dementia as “otherness,” Kate notes:
“The harmful nature of sexual assaults needs to be recognized, reported on, and acted upon! … We ALL have a role to play.”
Summarily, she concludes: “… If you do not understand this, you are part of the problem.”
Find Kate’s important video here:
https://kateswaffer.com/2022/02/16/sexual-assault-in-residential-aged-care/
Website: KateSwaffer.com
Speaker, author, activist: Kate Swaffer
Posted by:
Susan Troyer
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