DHS recently sent out a news release in an effort to remind the public of the new consolidated hotline which allows for 24/7 calling to report abuse.
Below is the full text from the release:
Starting this summer, Minnesotans will be reminded that they could make the difference in stopping maltreatment of vulnerable adults.
Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper this week introduced a public awareness campaign promoting the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center, the state's single toll-free hotline to report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults, including older adults and individuals with disabilities. The new center consolidates 169 county phone numbers into one toll-free number, 1-844-880-1574, that any Minnesotan can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report abuse.
"This single statewide hotline serves as an important line of defense against the abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of some of our most vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family members," said Piper. "I encourage all Minnesotans who suspect abuse of vulnerable adults to use this hotline."
The public awareness campaign, "The Power of Could," publicizes the hotline by depicting signs of possible maltreatment, prompting questions of whether the situation "could be nothing" or "could be maltreatment," and highlighting how reporting abuse could make a big difference for a vulnerable adult. Radio ads, videos, social media and print materials will carry the message. Examples are on the Adult Protection resources page.
Piper made the announcement Wednesday, June 15, at the annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Conference at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center in St. Paul and read a proclamation from Gov. Mark Dayton declaring June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Minnesota.
"Older adults and people with disabilities are at a higher risk of abuse than the general adult population, and maltreatment of these individuals is underreported," Piper said. "Data collected by the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center over time will help focus future prevention efforts to improve safety and quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults."
The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center currently receives about 1,000 reports of suspected maltreatment a week. It assesses reports for immediate risks, makes all necessary referrals and promptly submits reports to the appropriate investigative agency. Mandated reporters, including health care professionals and law enforcement, can now also make reports at a single web location.
Many vulnerable adults are reluctant to report and, when asked about it directly, may even deny that they have been harmed. Abuse can occur anywhere, from a person's own home to a nursing home or another place where they receive services or spend time. Maltreatment takes many forms, including caregiver neglect and self-neglect, which are the most commonly reported forms of abuse in Minnesota. The more than 40,000 cases of maltreatment reported in Minnesota in 2015 also included financial exploitation and physical, sexual, emotional and mental abuse.
Signs of abuse
Warning signs of abuse can include bruises, black eyes, broken bones, burns or cuts, internal injuries, infections, changes in mental functioning or behavior or injuries that are unexplained or are not consistent with the explanation given. Signs of neglect can include dehydration, weight loss, malnutrition, pressure sores, poor hygiene, depression, repeated falls, incontinence and isolation.
Financial exploitation can be indicated by bills going unpaid, individuals losing access to their own money or being asked to sign unfamiliar documents, changes being made in a will, transfer or sale of assets and missing personal property, such as cash, checks, credit cards, jewelry and furniture.
More information is available at mn.gov/dhs/adult-protection.
--Barb Turner, COO