What types of abuse should be reported?
Abuse is defined, in California, as: Physical Abuse includes hitting, punching, dragging, pulling hair or arms, burning, pinching, restraining, over or under medicating the person, etc. Sexual Abuse includes sexual battery, rape, “gang” rape, spousal rape, incest, sodomy, oral copulation and penetration of a genital or anal opening by a foreign object. It can also include convincing a victim, who is mentally a child, to have sex. Neglect includes failure to provide: · needed care · basic body hygiene · clean, safe housing · adequate food and liquid · clean, appropriate clothing · medical aids such as glasses and walkers · supervision for demented or developmentally delayed (mentally retarded) individuals. Psychological Abuse includes the caretaker being violent, aggressive, controlling, uncaring or threatening. The types of threats used may include the threat to withdrawing care or nursing home placement (for example: “Do what I say or I’ll leave and then who will take care of you?”).
