Preventing Elder Abuse
Protecting our Elders
Elder abuse is an act or omission which results in physical or emotional injury, or financial loss to a person over the age of 60. This includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect.
If you have reason to believe an adult age 60 or older is a victim of elder abuse, call the Massachusetts-based Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 or file online at https://fw1.harmonyis.net/MAAPSLiveIntake. The identity of the reporter is always confidential.
To report abuse of a person with a disability under the age of 60, call the Disabled Persons Protection Commission at (800) 426-9009. To report abuse of a person by nursing home or hospital, call the Department of Public Health at (800) 462-5540. Call 911 or local police if you have an emergency or life-threatening situation.
Elder Protective Services is operated locally through Bristol Elder Services which investigates reports of abuse and provides protective services to elders residing in Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Gosnold, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Rochester, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Westport.
For more information, contact them at (508) 675-2101.