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Abused adults who live in RCFs face an uphill battle in trying to get services to assist them in the aftermath of the trauma. Although many states have mandated reporting requirements, abuse allegations are often handled differently, and efforts may not be coordinated to provide comprehensive and centralized services. Awareness of abuse among residents, RCF staff, law enforcement, and other helping agencies is low. In addition, many residents, families, and friends of residents are afraid to report abuse for fear of retaliation by the abuser – the caregiver. As an advocate for vulnerable adults, you can help by employing some of the following strategies.

Report Abuse
When you learn of abuse, report it immediately. It is your right as a resident, family member or friend to report and to have law enforcement respond just as if a resident was living in their own home. It is documented that adult abuse is underreported. In addition, delays in reporting greatly hinder investigations and prosecution of abusers.

Learn How RCF abuse allegations are handled in your area
Find out what agencies are responsible for investigating abuse in RCFs and what individuals within those agencies are responsible for receiving complaints. Frequently, the responsible agency varies depending on the type of abuse and the suspected perpetrator. Make sure you know the ins and outs of the process depending on the alleged abuse and abuser.

Develop a Community Coalition to Address Adult Abuse in RCFs
Once you have determined who in your community is responsible for handling complaints, bring all the individuals together for a meeting to discuss how services can be better coordinated so that victims can get easy access to comprehensive services.

Raise Awareness through Community-Wide Training
There is a great need to share experience and expertise in working with abused adults living in RCFs in most communities. Populations that should be considered for training are: RCF staff, RCF administrators, residents, victim advocates, long-term care ombudsmen, attorneys, courts, medical professionals and families.

Make Agency Services More Readily Available
Increased presence by all helping agencies in RCFs will help raise awareness about abuse, deter potential abusers, and educate residents on how to protect themselves and gain access to needed services. Adult advocates can achieve a greater presence through on-site visits to RCFs and community policing, monitoring of care, phone contact with the RCF and residents, increased literature availability, and easy access for residents of reporting hotlines.

Additional Information

Main NOVA Victim Information Section

How to Get Help After a Vicitmization Main Page

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