Overview:In 2010, 13% of the United States population was aged 65 or older (National Center on Elder Abuse, 2014). Today, men and women are living longer and want to stay in their homes as long as they can, rather than residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility. For these men and women to remain in their homes, they need support and resources, as there are many types of abuse against older men and women. These types of abuse include physical abuse, verbal/emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and even the rare cases of sexual abuse that occur in the home. This article will discuss the issue of sexual abuse of older adults within their own household and by a member of their own family. Routine activities theory will be used to discuss the conditions that exist for elder sexual abuse to occur and what society as a whole can do to recognize and prevent abuse. Forms of Elder Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse against older men and women is categorized. in two forms: practical (contact offenses) and hands-off (non-contact offenses) (Ramsey-Klawsnik, 1995). Practical offenders include offenses in which the offender makes physical contact with the elder. Direct violations can include anything from touching, foundling, and kissing to harmful oral, anal, and genital practices (Ramsey-Klawsnik, 1995). These offenses can result in serious physical injury to a senior. Common injuries include damage to an elderly person's genitals or rectal area as well as sexually transmitted diseases (Teitelman, Copollio, 2002). Hands-off offenses are often less obvious to recognize, including sexual harassment, threats of sexual violence, sexual jokes, forced viewing of pornography, or exposure to one's private parts (Ramsey-Klawsnik...... middle of paper..... .rm Home Health Care, 12 (12-20) Ramsey-Klawsnik, H (2000). Offenders abused by the elderly: a typology 24 (2). Teaster, B., P. (2005). Sexual abuse of young and vulnerable older women. A comparative analysis of circumstances and outcomes, 11. 473. Teitelman, J. and Copollio, A. (2002). for recognition and intervention. Alzheimer's Care Quarterly, 3 (3). Elderly sexual abuse - appropriate responses for health and social services, 19. 209-227. General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2014, General Laws: Department of Elder Affairs – Chapter 19A, Sections 14-26). Retrieved from https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter19A/