Report Abuse and Neglect

Report abuse and neglect about a person with an intellectual or developmental disability

Important: to report a crime, physical or sexual abuse or a life-threatening situation call 911.

Abuse takes many forms including physical, financial, verbal, emotional or neglect. Abuse can come from strangers, caregivers, family members, friends and others.

Anyone can be a victim of abuse. Learn more about warning signs for adults and children.

If you think you or someone you know is being abused or neglected, take action

  • Make a report about an adult
    • File online:
      • All reports will be screened by DSHS’ Adult Protective Services or Residential Care Services.
    • By phone:
      • DSHS’ APS: 1-877-734-6277 / (TTY) 1-833-866-5595
      • DSHS’ Complaint Resolution Unit: 1-800-562-6078 / (TTY) 1-800-737-7931
        • Contact CRU to report concerns about a facility (e.g. a nursing home, adult family home, assisted living, residential habilitation centers, also called institutions) or supported living services.
  • Make a report about a child

Get support to make a report:

  • Call or email your DDA case manager. Your case manager can:
    • Help you make a safety plan.
    • Help you find a new provider if you want one.
    • Talk about services that you might be able to get.
    • Make a report for you if you choose.
  • If you can’t reach your case manager or do not know who they are, you can:

Helpful information when making a report

Include as much information as possible when reporting abuse including:

  • Victim’s name and information about where they live. This is the name and address of the person who you think has been harmed and the name of the place where they receive services (if that applies).
  • Describe what happened.
  • The name of the person who you think caused the alleged abuse.
  • Contact information. This includes the name, address and phone numbers of the people involved, such as alleged victim, witnesses and the legal guardian or other decision maker (if the person has one).
  • Reporter’s information. The name, phone number and address of the person making the report.
  • History. Include any past allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment.
  • Any other information that may be helpful.

Mandatory Reporters

Some people are required to make a report because of their job. They are called mandatory reporters. If you made a report to the state by phone or online, you have fulfilled your mandatory reporting obligations.

Retaliation

Retaliation is never okay. Some examples:

  • Fear of losing services.
  • Withholding resources or activities.
  • Isolation.
  • Emotional or psychological retaliation: ignoring needs, withholding medications or treatments.
  • Giving someone the silent treatment.

If you have a concern that someone is retaliating against you, let APS, CPS, or RCS know, plus your DDA case manager, or the DD Ombuds office.

Resources

Videos