Elder Abuse Prevention Program

Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act causing harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Abuse, neglect, exploitation, or fraud can happen anywhere, anytime, and often affects the most vulnerable members of our community.

The DOEA Elder Abuse Prevention Program supports programs and services to protect elders from abuse in all forms, physical, emotional, and financial. In partnership with the De-partment of Children and Families Adult Protective Services, DOEA, and the Aging Network work to protect disabled adults or elderly persons from further occurrences of abuse, neg- lect, or exploitation. Services provided may include protective supervision, placement, and in-home and community-based services.

Be Aware Of Possible Abuse.
Look around and take note of what may be happening with your older neighbors and acquaintances. Do they seem lately to be withdrawn, nervous, fearful, sad, or anxious, especially around certain people, when they have not seemed so in the past?
Talk with your older friends, neighbors, and relatives. Maintaining communication will help decrease isolation, a risk factor for mistreatment. It will also provide a chance to talk about any problems they may be experiencing.

How To Report Elder Abuse,
Neglect, And Exploitation
To report online—go to the DCF website at Abuse Hotline | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com).

To report by phone—call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1.800.96.ABUSE (1.800.962.2873). Press 2 to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7. TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1.800.955.8771. To report via fax, please print and complete the DCF fax reporting form with details and fax to 1.800.914.0004.