By Joyce DeRenzy, Director of Adult Protective Services, The Center for Prevention of Abuse
Who is considered a vulnerable adult?
Adults age 60 and over and adults with disabilities, age 18 and over.
What are the types and signs of adult abuse?
Physical or sexual abuse involves inflicting physical pain or injury. It includes behaviors such as slapping, hitting, beating, burning, sexual assault and rough handling. Warning signs are suspicious bruising, untreated injuries, and regressive behavior.- Psychological or emotional abuse diminishes the identity, dignity, and self-worth of the vulnerable adult. Some examples are: name calling, insulting, threatening, ignoring, isolating, excluding from meaningful events and deprivation of rights. Warning signs include the person being emotionally upset, withdrawn or unresponsive.
- Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to meet the needs of a vulnerable adult who is unable to meet those needs alone. It can include such behaviors as denial of food, water, and medications. Warning signs include dehydration, weight loss, unattended health problems, or caregivers refusing visitors.
- Financial exploitation involves the misuse of money or property. Examples include stealing money or possessions, forging a signature, misusing a power of attorney, and tricking an older adult into selling their property. Warning signs include lack of money for food, medicine, and utilities.
Who are the abusers?
The great majority of abusers are family members, most often an adult child or spouse. Additional offenders may include other family, old friends, newly developed “friends” who intentionally prey on vulnerable adults, and service providers in positions of trust. Abuse can also occur at a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living residence. Employees and temporary staff who have direct contact with residents are the most frequent perpetrators. Unfortunately, abusers are not always easy to spot and victims may not be physically or mentally able to report their abuse, or they may be isolated and too afraid or ashamed to tell someone. If you suspect abuse, report it.
How do I make a report?
Call Adult Protective Services (APS) to make a report. (If the abuser is unknown to the victim, it is handled by the police not APS). You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring; it is up to the trained professionals at APS to investigate the suspicions. When making a report, be ready to give the name, address, and contact information of the person you suspect is being abused or neglected, and details about why you are concerned. You may be asked a series of questions to gain more insight into the nature of the situation such as:
- Are there any known medical problems (including confusion or memory loss)?
- What kind of family or social supports are there?
- Have you seen or heard incidents of yelling, hitting, or other abusive behavior?
Note: You will be asked for your name, address, telephone number, etc. However, a report will be accepted even if you do not identify yourself. The identity of the reporter is confidential. As long as you are making a report in good faith, you will not be liable for any damages resulting from the report.
After reporting the abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, what will APS do?
APS is mandated to investigate every report of abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. If there is a substantiated allegation of abuse, APS staff will provide appropriate information, referrals, and protective services. Services, to the extent possible, are those that allow the adult to function independently.
What if the person refuses help from APS?
Competent adults have the right to exercise free choice in deciding whether to accept services. If an adult appears to be capable of understanding the risks and chooses to stay in an abusive or neglectful situation this can be a difficult decision for others to understand. If there are questions about the adult’s mental capacity, then a mental health evaluation should be pursued to ensure the safety of the adult.
Who do I contact to make a report?
For more information or to report abuse of a vulnerable adult, call Adult Protective Services at The Center for Prevention of Abuse at 309-637-3905 or after hours at 1-888-800-1409. If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 911.
The Center for Prevention of Abuse is the only agency authorized by the State of Illinois to provide a combination of domestic violence, sexual assault, and adult protective services. Annually, more than 5,000 women, men, and children affected by violence and abuse are served by The Center. Additionally, The Center offers school-based abuse prevention programming to students, pre-K through college age, reaching out to over 15,000 young people annually. Through these activities, plus community presentations and trainings, The Center lives out its mission, which is to empower everyone — women, men, and children — to live free from violence and abuse. For information on other services, call The Center at 309-691-0551 or visit our website: centerforpreventionofabuse.org.
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