In Jessica Alaimo’s article on elder abuse, she wrote that “Elder abuse can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and intentional neglect.” I was disappointed that she did not include sexual abuse and sexual assault in her definition.

Although few of us want to think about this, people who are elderly account for 18 percent of sexual assault victims nationally. Almost 3 percent of rape victims over the age of 60 are murdered during the rape. In addition, elderly rape victims are more often severely physically injured during the sexual assault.

Sadly, only 30 percent of elder victims report the crime to the police. Few contact their local sexual assault crisis center for support and assistance, and many tell no one. Some report the physical assault but do not report that they were sexually assaulted as well. This contributes to the impression that sexual assault of the elderly rarely occurs.

But it does occur, and it needs to be brought into the open. The Sexual Assault Crisis Center is working with the Lewiston Auburn Elder Abuse Task Force to make sure that the issue of sexual assault of the elderly is being addressed and that we are all working to respond effectively when such an assault occurs.

When we fail to recognize that sexual assault of the elderly occurs, we also fail to provide elder victims with a chance to acknowledge their experience and seek help to recover from the crime.

Marty McIntyre, director

Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Auburn