Adult Protective Services
Reporting Abuse
Utah law (62A-3-305opens in a new tab) mandates any person who has reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited must immediately notify Adult Protective Services or the nearest law enforcement office.
How to Report
Causing harm or injury, attempting to cause harm or inappropriately using physical restraint, medication or isolation that could cause harm to a vulnerable adult is illegal and must be reported.
Report by telephone Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at 1-800-371-7897 or report online 24/7 by using the form below.
Physical and Sexual Abuse
Know the Signs
- Multiple bruises in various stages of healing
- Unexplained fractures, abrasions and lacerations
- Multiple injuries
- Withdrawn, passive
- Low self-esteem or loss of self-determination
Emotional and Verbal Abuse
Do you know a vulnerable adult who is being intimidated, threatened, isolated, coerced or harassed?
Know the Signs
- Low self-esteem or loss of self-determination
- Withdrawn, passive, fearful
Caretaker Neglect
Caretakers assume the responsibility to provide a vulnerable adult with care, food, shelter, clothing, supervision, etc. Failing to do so is considered neglect.
Know the Signs
- Malnourished or dehydration
- Deserted or abandoned
- Inappropriate or soiled clothes
- Over or under medicated
- Lack of glasses, dentures or other aides if usually worn
- Unattended
Self Neglect
Self-Neglect occurs when a vulnerable adult is no longer able to care for their own well-being or provide basic necessities, due to mental or physical impairment.
Know the Signs
- Over or under medicated
- Social isolation
- Malnourished or dehydration
- Unkempt appearance
- Lack of glasses, dentures or other aides if usually worn
- Failure to keep medical appointments
Exploitation
Obtaining or using (unjustly or improperly) a vulnerable adult’s funds, credit, assets or other property, by deception or intimidation, is against the law.
Know the Signs
- Disappearance of possessions
- Forced to sell house or change one's will
- Overcharged for home repairs
- Inadequate living environment
- Unable to afford social activities
- Forced to sign over control of finances
- No or little money for food, clothes or other necessities