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Growing clearer each day is the difficult realization that the graying of the baby boomers drastically changes the rates and incidences of care – good and bad -- to adults living their remaining years outside of their family home. These adults are now residing in increasingly diverse places, including: nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living care, board and care facilities, group foster homes, sheltered care, adult family care homes and adult day care among others.

There is much that is unknown about the abuse and criminal victimization of adults living in residential care facilities, but what is known should give advocates for adults and crime victims reason for serious concern. The environment at many residential care facilities across the country is ripe for abuse and therefore warrants the attention of all individuals working to help adults live with dignity and respect. While the first comprehensive study to look at victimization of adults is only in its beginning stages, available data suggests that adults are victimized at an alarming rate, and often have much more difficulty participating in the criminal justice system and receiving the help they need.

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), the National Association of Adult Protective Services (NAAPSA) and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) have initiated a unique action partnership bringing together experts and other individuals across the country to collaborate in order to better address the needs of adults victims of crime and abuse who live in residential care facilities. Hopefully, the information provided will galvanize concerned individuals to use creative and effective methods to address the epidemic of violence and victimization against these adults.

What are Residential Care Facilities (RCF)?
RCFs are places where elders and other vulnerable adults live when they can no longer be adequately cared for in their home. Each state defines RCF differently. It may include assisted living care, nursing homes, board and care facilities, group foster homes, sheltered care, rest homes, adult care homes, hospitals and other institutional settings.

Who are potential abusers?
Anyone. This may include facility staff or administrators, family members, friends, intruders into the RCF community or fellow residents.

Adults living in RCFs are at risk of abuse
The environments at many RCFs across the country are ripe for abuse and therefore warrant the attention of all individuals working to help adults live with dignity and respect. Often staff has too many residents for which to care. Caregiver abuse and neglect may be intentional or unintentional, but residents do get abused.

Types of Abuse & Injuries
There are several types of abuse, including those that cause emotional, financial, and physical injury.

What you can do to help
Educating yourself and reporting abuse are two of the best ways to help a victim and prevent future abuse.

Other Resources
There are many organizations that may be of interested to victims of RFC Adult abuse and for those who work in the field of victim assistance and crisis response.

Additional Information

Main NOVA Victim Information Section

How to Get Help After a Vicitmization Main Page

Other Resources: Links, Phone Numbers, and Readings