The Richmond County Department of Social Services provides investigation of reports of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of adults, and the provision of services to alleviate this.
Elder abuse is an under-recognized problem with devastating and even life-threatening consequences. Few cases are identified; experts estimate that only one in five cases or fewer are reported, which means that very few seniors who have been abused get the help they need.
Warning Signs
Physical Abuse - Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns.
Neglect - Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, isolation, malnutrition, or dehydration.
Emotional Abuse - Withdrawal from normal activities, fearful, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes.
Sexual Abuse - Bruises around the breasts or genital area or unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.
Financial Exploitation - Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank.
The Code of Virginia, § 63.2-1606 requires that mandated reporters who suspect that an adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited, or is at risk of such, must immediately report to APS. Civil money penalties may be incurred for failure to report.
For more information, please contact the Richmond County Department of Social Services at (804) 333-4088, call the toll-free hotline at (888) 832-3858, or visit www.vcpea.org or www.dss.virginia.gov.
