by Tehan Dukaye, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
Sexual violence impacts many Marylanders, regardless of background, location, or age. However, individuals from vulnerable groups often face greater risk for experiencing sexual violence, especially elderly populations. While it may be difficult to discuss sexual abuse against older adults, it is an important conversation for preventionists, advocates, and community members alike, especially as the share of Maryland’s aging population continues to grow. To build upon sexual violence prevention efforts with Maryland’s older populations, we need to understand why these populations are vulnerable, the risk factors that preventionists need to address, and which prevention measures and resources can be effective in reducing or eliminating harm.
As of 2024, more than 1,100,000 Marylanders, over 17% of the total population, are over the age of 65 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025). Maryland’s older population is expected to make up 21% of the total population by 2040 (National Center for Smart Growth, 2025). In 2023, 48% of Maryland households headed by someone 65 and older, faced either poverty or financial hardship compared to 37% of households headed by someone 25 to 44 and 32% of households headed by someone 45 to 64 (ALICE, 2025). According to America’s Health Rankings for Maryland’s senior population, 9.5 % of adults 65 and older live below the poverty line and 6.8% reported food insecurity (America’s Health Rankings, 2025). While poverty rates for Maryland seniors are lower on average compared to other states, these statistics are still concerning as poverty is a risk factor for sexual violence (CDC, 2024)
Limited housing affordability and housing instability is another risk factor of sexual violence that is a common concern among older adults. As home ownership and rent costs continue to rise, older adults from lower and middle-income backgrounds will find it increasingly challenging to maintain their current housing (National Center for Smart Growth, 2025). Subsidized housing for low-income older adults is becoming less available as the population of lower-income older adults increases (National Center for Smart Growth, 2025). Between 2018 and 2024, there was a notable increase of adults 65 and older experiencing homelessness in the state, from 677 to 1,199 people (Brown, 2024). Older adults who are not housed are more likely to experience sexual violence compared to those who have stable housing (Kushel, 2020).
Sexual violence risk factors are not only limited to economic hardship and housing stability. Older adults whose well-being relies on others can also experience sexual abuse, whether at home or in a care facility. While there is a lack of recent Maryland or national-based studies on sexual abuse against older patients in care facilities, a 2019 federal report found that incidents of abuse, including sexual abuse, were underreported (Center for Medicare Advocacy, 2019). What is known however, is that most older adults who expereinced sexual abuse know or trust the abuser (NCOA, 2024). The abuser can be a live-in home aide, a family member, or a friend.
Like many other survivors, those who have been sexually abused later in life may feel shame or fear in reporting the harm (DVSN, 2024). Some elderly survivors may be unable to report due to physical and mental limitations (NCOA, 2024). Older adults are also vulnerable to other forms of abuse including financial, emotional, and physical harm (NCOA, 2024).
Despite the risk that older adults face, prevention is possible. Individual, community, and policy interventions are essential in protecting elderly populations from sexual violence. If you notice an older person facing harassment, whether in a public or private space, you can intervene as a bystander. You can also bring in others to help keep the person safe from harm. Prevention can also mean protecting your elderly close friends and family members. If you notice unhealthy or abusive actions or behaviors from someone against a friend or family member, check in to see if they are okay. You can also prevent the potential abuser from causing further harm by reaching out to others or alerting authorities. To best serve as a bystander in action, you can check out the resources list at the end of this article.
Communities can also play an essential role in keeping older adults safe from sexual violence. Neighbors can check-in on each other, form meaningful connections, and watch for signs of abuse. Members of community organizations, clubs, schools, workplaces, and more can come together and build or create resources to support older adults they suspect are vulnerable to abuse or mistreatment. Under state law, health providers, law enforcement, and human service workers are required to report suspected abuse of an elderly person to the local Department of Social Services (The People’s Law Library of Maryland, 2025).
Local and state policies are key in preventing sexual violence against older populations. Strengthening existing financial protections for older populations and increasing funding for sexual abuse services in Maryland that serve older populations who have been abused, such as the Adult Protective Services (APS) are some ways that can contribute to prevention. Policies put in place that provide financial assistance or vouchers for older adults seeking more affordable housing should continue to remain in effect. Discrimination against older adults seeking employment should not be tolerated and stronger protections for older employees in the workplaces should be implemented.
Help is available for older adults in Maryland who have experienced abuse, including sexual abuse. If you witness harrasment towards an older individual, know someone who has experienced abuse, or if you suspect an older person is currently experiencing abuse, below are some resources:
References
2025 senior report: Maryland (2025). America’s Health Rankings. Retrieved here.
Abuse and neglect of elderly and vulnerable adults. (2025). The People’s Law Library of Maryland. Retrieved here.
Brown, Danielle. (10 Nov 2024). More people aged 65+ face homelessness, state housing officials report. Maryland Matters. Retrieved here.
Get the facts on elder abuse. (2024). National Council on Aging (NCOA). Retrieved here.
Elder abuse – distinct challenges and barriers to support. (2024). Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc (DVSN). Retrieved here.
Federal reports find incidents of nursing home resident abuse are on the rise but also underreported. (2019). Center for Medical Advocacy. Retrieved here.
Kushel, M. Homelessness among older adults: an emerging crisis. (2020). Generations Journal. Retrieved here.
Maryland housing needs assessment update. (2025). National Center for Smart Growth. Retrieved here.
Quick facts: Maryland. (2024). United States (U.S.) Census Bureau. Retrieved here.
Risk and protective factors. (2024). Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved here.
The state of ALICE in Maryland. (2025). United for Alice. Retrieved here.
