Adult abuse happens when an elder or dependent adult:

• is slapped, hit, choked, pinched, kicked, shoved, or given too much or too little medication
• is constantly yelled at, threatened with physical harm, or threatened with being left alone
• is deserted by a caregiver when he/she cannot get necessary food, water, clothing, shelter or health care
• is kept from getting mail, telephone calls, or visitors or prevented from going outside or to public places
• loses money, property, or items of value by force or without their knowledge or approval
• is neglected by someone who should be providing care, food, water, paying the rent or utilities or other bills
• is taken out of state when the person is not capable of giving their consent
• is raped or molested

Self-neglect of an elder or dependent adult is also abuse. An elder is anyone aged 65 or older. A dependent adult is anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 who has physical or mental limitations that keep them from carrying out normal daily activities or protecting their own rights.

Child abuse happens when a child:

• has a physical injury by other than accidental means
• is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment
• is abused or exploited sexually
• is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision

If you see or suspect abuse, you should report it as soon as possible. The county is responsible for investigating suspected abuse – that’s not your job. And your report is confidential – neither the abused person nor the abuser will be told who made the report. You can report abuse any time, any day. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.