How to Report Elder Abuse

The State of California requires mandated reporters to report suspected abuse immediately. Adult Protective Services or the local law enforcement agency should be contacted to report abuse. If the suspected abuse occurred in a long-term care facility, telephone the local long-term care ombudsman or local law enforcement agency.

Agencies receiving abuse reports also contact other agencies that share investigative and reporting responsibilities. For example, should a suspected abuse incident occur within a facility which is Medi-Cal certified, the Department of Justices's Medi-Cal Fraud/Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit is contacted.

Mandated reporters are provided immunity from civil and criminal liability as a result of making a required or authorized report of a suspected or known abuse incident. Failure to report as required is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in the county jail, by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by both a fine and imprisonment. The reporter's identity remains confidential and is only disclosed to authorized agencies. Violation of this confidentiality is also a misdemeanor.

Individuals, who are not within the designated mandated reporting groups, are also protected from civil or criminal prosecution for reporting suspected abuse, unless the reporter knowingly provides false information. The non-mandated reporter is afforded the same protections as mandated reporters. An individual may choose to remain anonymous when making a report.

Law enforcement, adult protective services, and if appropriate, the ombudsman investigate reports of suspected abuse. The abuser may face criminal charges. The appropriate agency or legal representative will assess the care needs which the elderly victim may require such as appropriate health care, housing and counseling. The assistance of the public guardian's office or that of a professional conservator may be elicited to arrange for the care and protection of the elder.