Posted by Reports of sexual abuse in Irish nursing homes, particularly against elderly women, have surfaced in recent years, highlighting systemic issues in care facilities. A 2022 report indicated 143 cases of suspected sexual abuse in nursing homes and disability centers from 2015 to February 2022, with 87 cases in nursing homes alone. The majority of victims were elderly women, many with dementia, and allegations often came from relatives or staff. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) noted that 32 incidents were reported in 2021, the highest in the period, and some cases were only referred to the Gardaí after HIQA intervention.
A prominent case involved Emmanuel Adeniji, a healthcare assistant who raped a 73-year-old woman, pseudonymized as “Emily,” in a HSE-run nursing home in April 2020. Adeniji, who had worked at the facility for 16 years, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Subsequent investigations revealed it was “highly probable” he assaulted other residents, with up to 21 potential victims identified, though further prosecutions were unlikely due to victims’ deaths or incapacity. The National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) found that allegations of abuse by Adeniji were often dismissed as symptoms of medical conditions like dementia, pointing to a culture of disbelief.
A 2023 review by safeguarding expert Jackie McIlroy criticized the HSE for limiting initial investigations, calling it a “missed opportunity” to identify additional victims. The HSE has since committed to reviewing records from Adeniji’s 16-year tenure, acknowledging the likelihood of further harm. Broader systemic issues include inadequate staff vetting, lack of mandatory abuse reporting, and societal attitudes that downplay abuse of older people. The Irish Association of Social Workers has called for legal reforms and transparency, noting that unpublished reports hinder learningWhile specific data on other recent cases is scarce, these incidents underscore vulnerabilities in nursing homes, particularly for elderly women with cognitive impairments. The HSE’s ongoing reviews and Gardaí involvement aim to address these concerns, but challenges like underreporting and legal barriers persist
Who Watches the Watchers? 