The Basics Of Abuse & Neglect

“Abuse” and “neglect” are powerfully charged words with a lot of baggage attached to them. It’s easy not to talk about them; in fact, most people put energy into avoiding talking about them. But we have to.

In Florida, everyone is a mandated reporter. A mandated reporter is a person who has a custodial responsibility to report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person if they suspect it is occurring. They don’t have to know. They only have to suspect. It’s up to the investigators to figure out if it’s occurring or not. In Florida, a vulnerable person includes but is not limited to: children, elderly adults, anyone with a disability.

This can be hard for a lot of families and caregivers. We are required by law to report. It is not personal, not proof of abuse or an accusation, and definitely not a judgment. It’s just something we have to do.

But what is abuse? What is neglect?

Well, here are the basics:

Abuse includes

• physical

• sexual

• verbal / emotional

• financial

• inappropriate or excessive restraint or seclusion

• threats

• treatment without consent

• suspicious death

• coercive treatment, including use of force

• inappropriate or excessive medication

Neglect includes

• failure to provide necessary or appropriate personal care and safety

• failure to provide necessary medical treatment

• failure to discharge appropriately (client abandonment)

• failure to provide mental health evaluation or treatment

Signs of abuse and neglect can be very subtle. For example, providers are often trained that sudden digestive problems can be indicative of sexual abuse. Does that mean we treat every upset tummy as a sign of assault? No, certainly not.

However, we always err on the side of caution. By law, we must report a suspicion. And morally, we are much more comfortable with an awkward conversation and a family being angry at us than with the possibility of failing to protect a child who needs help.

As always, get out there and do good.