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What is Elder / Dependent Adult Abuse?
Abuse can be an intentional act and/or a lack of knowledge in providing care to an elder (anyone 60 years or older) or dependent adult (anyone 18-59 years of age that has a mental or physical disability that impairs their ability to protect themselves).
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What types of abuse are considered Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse?
Abuse is any act that constitutes taking advantage of a person for personal gain and/or not providing the proper care that the individual is dependent upon due to a disability or mental impairment. Generally, the basic categories or abuse are financial, physical, abandonment, isolation, neglect and self-neglect.
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How do I make a suspected abuse report?
If the incident occurred in the community or in an individual home the report is made to Adult Protective Services at 868-1006 (24 hour Abuse Hotline) or please see Reporting Abuse tab. If the suspected abuse occurred in a Long Term Care Facility, the report is made to the Long Term Care Ombudsman at (661) 323-7884. If the incident appears to be an emergency, call 911.
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What happens after a suspected Elder / Dependent Adult report is made?
Adult Protective Services or Long Term Care Ombudsman will investigate the suspected abuse by making contact with the suspected victim and alleged perpetrator. If the victim is willing to accept assistance, steps are taken to protect the individual and cross report criminal actions to Law Enforcement. If criminal action has occurred, then Law Enforcement completes the investigation for the purpose of prosecuting.
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Does the victim have the right to refuse services to resolve an abusive situation?
Yes, the victim has the right to refuse services if mentally competent. If not competent, measures are taken to protect the individual.
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Can Adult Protective Services force the suspected perpetrators out of the house of the victim?
Generally, Adult Protective Services does not have the right to force the perpetrator out of the home without the permission of the victim and the involvement of Law Enforcement.
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Is the victim generally the person reporting the abuse?
No, typically the victim will not report the abuse due to fear of retaliation or public exposure, embarrassment, humiliation, or potential loss of a relationship. Therefore, concerned parties, neighbors, family members and agencies mandated by law to report suspected abuse.
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What is the response time to investigate abuse once a report has been made?
By regulations, Adult Protective Services has 10 days to respond unless it is considered an imminent danger requiring immediate attention or if Law Enforcement request immediate assistance with a victim.
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Is elder abuse / dependent adult abuse typically done by strangers to the victim?
No, nationally it has been reported that typically elder / dependent adult abuse involves a relationship with the victim and statistically 86.8% of all elder abuse crimes are committed by family members.
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Is elder abuse crime increasing?
Yes, it is generally felt that elder abuse is increasing and will continue to increase as the older adult population grows in our nation. This is primarily due to the vulnerability of the aged, the unlikelihood of the crime being reported and the access to financial resources.
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What can I do?
Report any suspected elder or dependent abuse. It only has to be suspected and not proven before reporting. Your identity as a reporting party will be kept confidential unless you choose to release that information. Elder Abuse will continue without your help by reporting suspected abuse.
