Adult Protective Services
Reporting Abuse
Utah law (26B-6-205opens 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
- Unexplained or apparent bruising
- Strangulation
- Unexplained fractures, abrasions, or lacerations
- Bed sores
- Over or under medicating the victim
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Hiding injuries
- Pregnancy
- Bruising on breasts, inner thighs, or genitals
- Controlling access to or the movements of an individual
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- Withdrawn, passive, fearful
- Isolation
- Not allowing individual contact with friends or family members
- Taking away personal possessions (e.g., cell phone, mail, etc.)
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
- Isn't going to the doctor
- Isn't taking their medication as needed
- Doesn't have food, inadequate nutrition
- Poor hygiene that is effecting their health
- Lack of glasses, dentures or other aides if usually worn
- Lives in unsafe housing conditions such as lack of heat, electricity, or water
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
- Unusual financial activity (e.g., large bank withdrawal or use of ATMs or credit cards not normally used
- Forced to sell house or change one's will
- Forced to sign over control of finances
- Missing checks or missing bank statements/records
- Address or name changes on accounts without the individual's knowledge or consent