Elderly adults, as well as adults with development disabilities, can be easy targets for abusers. Knowing what to look for and who to report it to can give voice to victims who may otherwise go unheard. Many times, these individuals have no one to turn to but their caregivers.
Instructions
1. Know the signs of abuse. Whether it be sexual or physical, there will always be an indicator of some sort. Non-verbal adults may display odd behaviors around their abusers. They may shy away from them or those that remind them of the abuser. Bruising, unexplained marks or abrasions, touching themselves in suggestive or inappropriate ways are all indicators that something may be going on. Acting out or behaviors that are out of the norm for an individual may also be signs.
2. If you have a loved one in or you work in a a direct care facility, you need to be aware that, even though rare, cases of adult abuse do occur. Know your loved one's caregivers. Talk to them. Watch how they interact with your family member. Specifically watch out for how your loved one reacts to the caregiver. Keeping your eyes open and observing the environment and social interactions of your loved one with others, will offer you an abundance of information.
3. Listen to your family member. Even most MR/DD clients know right from wrong. More often than not, because of their intense desire to please people, they will allow abuse to occur and then confuse it with affection. Talking to them and reassuring them that they are not in any trouble and that what happened is not their fault, may give them the confidence to tell you the details. Take your time when you talk to them. Don't push and don't over-react.
4. Document everything: dates, times, people involved and observations. The information needs to be as accurate as possible. Even the slightest detail may hold vast importance. Nothing is insignificant. To build a case, an APS worker will have to have as much information as possible. Most investigators will not even begin to look into a case until they feel they have enough information to press charges. Try to substantiate as much as you can. If you are in a position as an employee to get information, keep very accurate and discreet notes.
5. Contact the Adult Protective Services agency. Give your name and phone number, and the reason for your call. You will probably be assigned to an agent who will return your phone call. When you meet with the agent, you will want to have all of your documentation, any photographs and anything else they may ask you to provide. Be honest. This is not a small matter, and if you provide false information, it can come back to haunt you, so make sure the information you have is accurate (see Resources below).
6. Update the agent whenever new information or incidents occur. If you work in a direct care facility, the agent may ask you to continue working there so you can keep an eye on things and report back to the agency any new occurrences.
7. Keep in mind that you may have to testify in court if charges are pressed against the abusers. This is where your documentation plays a big role in your credibility. Accurate notes that can be verified and substantiated will have a direct impact on the outcome of the case.
Tags: your loved, abuse occur, Adult Protective, Adult Protective Services, agent will, care facility, direct care