Elder Abuse
Generally: Elder abuse includes many different types of abuse, including but not limited to the following:
- Physical abuse: Physical assault, sexual assault, unreasonably physical constraint, prolonged deprivation of food or water, and inappropriate use of a physical or chemical restraint or psychotropic medication.
- Neglect: Failure to assist in personal hygiene, failure to provide clothing and shelter, failure to provide medical care, failure to protect from health and safety hazards, failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration, and self-neglect.
- Emotional abuse: verbal assaults, threats or intimidation, subjectin an individual to fear, isolation or serious emotional distress, withholding of emotional support, and confinement.
Legal Definition: "Abuse of an elder or a dependent adult" means either of the following: (a) physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering. (b) The deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering. Cal. Pen. Code § 15610.07
Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse
Many people who come into contact with the elderly are mandated by law to report elder abuse (mandated reporters). The law requires mandated reporters to make a verbal report immediately or as soon as practical, followed by a written report, California State Form SOC341: Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse, within two working days.
Who to Contact about Elder Abuse?
Depending on where the victim of abuse is residing, there are different agencies that should be contacted. If the victim is in immediate need of assistance, please call 911.
If the victim is in a long term care facility (nursing home, assisted living, etc.), the Omsbudsman should be contacted:
County Long Term Care Ombudsman
CRISISline Number: 1-800-231-4024 (24 hours/7days a week)
If the victim is not in a long-term care facility:
Adult Protective Services (APS)
For a listing of your local APS, please call us at 1-800-VICTIMS or see the county resources pages on our website.
Victim Compensation for Elder Abuse
Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse