ABSTRACT
Investigation and prosecution of an elder sexual crime present unique challenges to victims, the providers, and the criminal justice system. Medical, legal, and humanitarian costs of such crimes are immeasurable. It has been anecdotally reported that victims often had serious complications or even died from being sexually assaulted, perhaps even more so than a younger cohort. It is believed that older adult sexual assault crimes result in an increased need for more costly health care such as in a nursing home or hospital. Certainly, the personal suffering of the victims and their families must be considered along with a higher cost burden.
