Get help: an adult is being abused or neglected

Adult Protection Services supports adults facing abuse, neglect or self-neglect. These adults might not be able to get help on their own. 

Social workers respond to reports and work with adults to help reduce harm and improve safety. Support is based on what the adult needs and wants. 

What are abuse, neglect and self-neglect? 

• Abuse is when someone’s actions cause harm or injury to another person. This can be physical, emotional, mental, or financial.
• Neglect is when someone does not provide the necessary care or support a person needs.
• Self-neglect is when someone cannot care for their own basic needs. 

Signs of abuse or neglect 

Isolation is the biggest risk factor. 

Some signs include: 

• fear, anxiety or depression;
• avoiding friends or activities the adult usually enjoyed;
• unexplained injuries;
• changes in personal hygiene or weight loss;
• unsafe living conditions;
• unpaid bills or sudden changes in spending; and
• missing basic needs like food or shelter. 

How you can help 

If you are worried about someone, you could try the following. 

• Talk to them alone in a safe place.
• Be kind and understanding. You could say, “I am worried about you. Is everything okay?”.
• Listen and believe them. Do not push for details.
• Let them know help is available. You could say: “You’re not alone. There are people who can support you”.
• Ask if they would like help. For example: “Would you like to talk to someone with me?”
• Do not confront the person causing harm. This could be dangerous or make things worse.
• Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger. 

How we can help 

Social workers: 

• plan next steps with the adult;
• connect the adult to support services if needed;
• respect the adult’s culture, values, language, and choices; and
• always consider the person’s safety. 

Adults can accept or refuse help if they understand and appreciate their decisions. The court is asked for help only in very serious cases as last resort. 

Report abuse or neglect 

If you think an adult is experiencing abuse, neglect, or self-neglect and cannot get help, call Adult Protection Services. Your identity is protected by law. You can also choose to stay anonymous. 

If someone's in immediate danger 

Phone 911 or your local prefix + 5555.