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Abuse, neglect and exploitation

Why report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation? It’s the law. And it’s the right thing to do. This includes any attempts to restrain or isolate someone without their approval.

For emergencies

Call 911 for situations that threaten your life or someone else's life.

For urgent situations that need investigation within 24 hours

For urgent situations that need investigation within 24 hours

Contact the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

 

Just call 1-800-647-7418 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation when it affects a person who receives services from a: 

 

  • Nursing center
  • Assisted living center
  • Adult day care center
  • Licensed adult foster care provider
  • Home and community support services agency (HCSSA) or home health agency

For nonemergencies

 

Use the 24/7 Texas Abuse Hotline. Just call 1-800-252-5400 (TTY: 711).

 

You can also go to the Texas Abuse Hotline website. This is a secure website. You’ll need to create an account and profile. You’ll protect your account with a password. 

 

Tips to file a report

 

When reporting abuse, neglect or exploitation, it is helpful to have the names, ages, addresses and phone numbers of everyone involved.

How to notice the signs

  • Dementia
  • A person’s frailty
  • Mental decline
  • Part of a disease

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Medication issues
  • Refusal of visitors by caregiver 

  • Control by the caregiver
  • Odd behavior

  • Bruises
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Bleeding

  • Weight loss
  • Bed sores
  • Long fingernails or dirty fingernails (with feces)
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • Unsuitable or dirty clothing
  • Unsafe living conditions
  • Matted hair

  • Significant withdrawals
  • Sudden changes in finances
  • Missing items

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