Investigate Abuse & Neglect
What does the Indiana Disability Rights Abuse and Neglect Team do?
We conduct investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
We provide information and training on the topics of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
We monitor facilities, such as group homes, workshops, nursing homes, psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), and mental health facilities, for signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
We help support self-advocacy skills
What is abuse, neglect and exploitation?
The following are examples of each type, not meant to be an exhaustive list.
Physical abuse:
Kicking, hitting, pushing, pinching
Force-feeding or intentionally burning people
Excessive force during a restraint
Verbal abuse:
Yelling, swearing, or demeaning a person
Threats to withhold food, care, or activities
Sexual abuse:
Unwanted or inappropriate touching
Coercion to perform sex acts
Forced to observe or participate in pornography
Neglect:
Lack of personal care/hygiene
Lack of appropriate supervision to ensure health and safety
Lack of appropriate food or hydration
Exploitation/Theft:
Using a person’s belongings without permission
Using a person’s money for themselves; “borrowing”
Knowingly taking advantage of a person for money or other items
Where does Indiana Disability Rights investigate?
Group homes
Schools
Workshops
Mental health facilities
Nursing homes
Or anywhere that serves a person with a disability.
How do I report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation?
CALL 911 IF THE PERSON BEING ABUSED IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER.
INDIANA DISABILITY RIGHTS IS NOT AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER!
Report the situation to the appropriate supervisor.
Call:
Child Protective Services Hotline (ages birth to17 years): 800.800.5556
Adult Protective Services Hotline (ages 18 and older): 800.992.6978
Call Indiana Disability Rights: 800.622.4845 or click the link at the bottom of this page.
What can I do?
Know the signs of abuse and neglect.
Know how to report abuse.
Call Indiana Disability Rights for help. You can reach us by calling 800.622.4845 or by clicking on the link below.