Sadly, over 225,000 Californians become victims of elder or dependent adult abuse each year, but experts believe the problem to be much larger. Victims often remain silent because they fear retaliation from their abusers. Many times victims remain unnoticed and untreated because they are isolated.
Abuse is often divided into four main categories: physical abuse, neglect, psychological or emotional abuse, and financial abuse. Other types of abuse may include isolation, abandonment, or abduction. Self-neglect can be detrimental to an individual's wellbeing and should also be reported. Individuals are most often the victims of multiple kinds of abuse.
The Orange County Social Services Agency’s Adult Protective Services (APS) program is designed to prevent and remedy the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elders and dependent adults who have been harmed or are at risk of harm. The program serves elders ages 65 or greater, including dependent adults, or any person between 18 and 64 years of age, with physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities, protect their own rights, or whose physical or mental abilities have been diminished due to age.
Adult Protective Services are provided, without regard of income or resources, to residents living in Orange County who have been the victim of abuse, either self inflicted or by another, that occurred in the community. If you know a victim of elder or dependent adult abuse, please don’t wait! Call (800) 451-5155. APS emergency response is available 24 hours a day.
