Protective Services Program
Everyone
has the right to be safe. Sometimes elders are at risk for physical
or emotional injury or are at risk due to self-neglect. The Protective Services
Program can help.
Massachusetts law (MGL Ch. 19A, Sec. 14-26) defines elder abuse as acts or omissions resulting in serious physical, sexual or emotional injury or financial loss to an adult age 60 or older. Self neglect is defined as: "The failure or refusal of an Elder to provide himself or herself one or more necessities essential for physical or emotional well-being, including food, clothing, shelter, personal care, supervision and medical care, which has resulted in, or where there is a substantial reason to believe that such failure or refusal will immediately result in serious harm, and prevents the Elder from remaining safely in the community."
This includes:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse (harassments, threats, verbal abuse)
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Caregiver neglect
- Self neglect
Protective Services is for those experiencing abuse or neglect by others or an elder who may be unsafe because of an inability to care for themselves.
Anyone may report suspected cases of abuse. The identity of the reporter is confidential.
For more information or to make a report, please call he Protective Services Programs at 800-732-4636, or 413-773-5555, or 978-544-2259, or TDD 413-772-6566, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Elder Abuse Hotline is open 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-800-922-2275.
Print the Pamphlet (196K PDF)
What is Elder Abuse? (Word document)
How to Answer Tough Questions about Elder Abuse (Word document)