What is Abuse?
Abuse happens to people of all ethnicities and income levels and can be physical, sexual or emotional in nature.
- Abuse – the infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional injury or harm including financial exploitation by any person, firm, or corporation (192.2400, RSMo).
- Neglect – the failure to provide services to an eligible adult by any person, firm or corporation with a legal or contractual duty to do so, when such failure presents either an imminent danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the client or a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm would result (192.2400, RSMo).
- Financial Exploitation – A person commits the crime of financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person if such person knowingly and by deception, intimidation, or force obtains control over the elderly or disabled person's property with the intent to permanently deprive the elderly or disabled person of the use, benefit or possession of his or her property thereby benefiting such person or detrimentally affecting the elderly or disabled person (570.145, RSMo).
- Bullying – intimidation or harassment that causes a reasonable person to fear for his or her physical safety or property and may consist of physical actions including gestures; cyberbullying; oral, electronic, or written communication; and any threat of retaliation for reporting of such acts. (192.2400,RSMo)
Who can Report Abuse?
Anyone who suspects someone is being abused, neglected, or exploited can make a report. Certain professionals, however, are mandated by law to report. Click here to find a complete list of mandated reporting laws and mandated reporters.
What Information Do I Have to Report?
Update Coming Soon!
What Happens After I Make a Report?
Reports of Individuals Residing in the Community
If the alleged victim lives in his or her own home or community, an investigator will help the alleged victim determine the services or interventions needed to stop or alleviate the abuse. The services may include:
- community supportive services, such as personal care, respite, or chore services;
- home-delivered nutrition services;
- financial or legal assistance and protections, such as representative payee, direct deposit, trusts, protective services, civil suit or criminal charges;
- counseling for the victim;
- referral to other community resources, and;
- when needed, guardianship proceedings or nursing home placement.
If you would like to follow-up on a report you made to the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline regarding an individual residing in the community (including his or her own home), contact the appropriate Adult Protective Services (APS) office in the county where the reported adult resides.
Long-Term Care Facility Complaints
If the alleged victim lives in a long-term care facility, the department’s Division of Regulation and Licensure staff conducts an investigation. Complaint investigations are handled in accordance with state statute. Long-term care reports or complaints are generally initiated within 24 hours. For more information, contact us or email info@health.mo.gov.
What about my rights?
A competent older person may refuse all services and interventions. No decisions are made about a competent adult without his or her involvement and consent.
A facility resident has the right to:
- be free from mental and physical abuse;
- be informed of their medical condition;
- select their own physician;
- participate in planning their care;
- refuse treatment;
- voice grievances;
- be treated with respect and dignity; and
- have treatments provided in privacy.
For adults participating in the Protective Services Program, consideration is given to the following inherent rights:
- self-determination
- protection
- confidentiality
- participate in care planning
- receive assistance
- refuse services
- refuse medical treatment
All programs stress the competent adult’s right to make decisions regarding care.
