Report abuse and neglect
Older Adults and People with Physical Disabilities
- Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services
- 503-988-4450 main
- 503-988-4480 fax
- 503-988-3646 after hours
- 4610 SE Belmont Street Portland, OR 97215-1752
Persons with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability
- Multnomah County Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services
- 503-988-1285 Local Reporting
- 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) Statewide Reporting
Adults with Mental Illness
Child Abuse
- Oregon Abuse Hotline
- 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) Statewide Reporting
Adults Receiving Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
- Oregon Office of Training Investigations & Safety (OTIS)
- 503-945-9495
What is adult abuse?
Adult abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm, fear or loss in an older person or a person with a disability. Older person is defined as aged 60 and above. A person with a disability is defined as a person with a physical disability. Multnomah County Adult Protective Services (APS) is the local organization which investigates abuse.
The types of abuse investigated by Multnomah County APS include:
- Physical harm or injury
- Neglect
- Financial exploitation
- Verbal or emotional abuse
- Involuntary seclusion
- Wrongful use of a physical or chemical restraint
- Unwanted sexual contact
- Abandonment
- Self Neglect - when an individual lacks the ability to understand consequences leading to harm
How serious a problem is adult abuse?
The losses associated with abuse can be devastating and may include the loss of independence, homes, life savings, health and dignity. Victims of abuse have been shown to have shorter life expectancies than non-abused older people.
What happens after I report abuse?
Adult Protective Services will investigate whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred and attempt to link vulnerable adults to vital health and human services. Adult Protective Services may also work with law enforcement if a crime has been committed.
Does my name stay confidential if I report abuse?
Yes. State law protects the confidentiality of anyone reporting abuse. You may also choose to remain anonymous when reporting abuse.
Am I protected if I report abuse?
Yes. Oregon's adult abuse reporting law protects any individual who reports suspected abuse in good faith.
Anyone reporting adult abuse with reasonable grounds is immune from civil and criminal liability.