GENERAL NEWS
Reporting Domestic Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Incidents of domestic abuse, neglect, and exploitation tend to escalate during the holidays. Unfortunately, law enforcement and other protective agencies continue to see a marked increase in domestic violence compared to previous years. To help ensure the health and safety of children and adults, join us in our commitment to educate everyone in your office on how to recognize and report suspected instances of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation involving children, adults, or families.
Under Utah Law (26-23a-2), “any healthcare provider who treats or cares for a person who suffers from any wound or other injury inflicted by the person's own act or by the act of another” must immediately report it to a law enforcement agency. Additionally, any person who has reason to believe that an elderly or disabled adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited is legally required (62A-3-305 and 76-5-111.1) to report the situation immediately to Adult Protective Services (a division of Aging and Adult Services) or the nearest law enforcement agency. Under these laws, all reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability related to the report.
In addition to reporting to law enforcement agencies, please notify one of the following divisions at the Utah Department of Health.
| CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES | ADULT AND AGING SERVICES |
|---|---|
| Utah Division of Child and Family Services 120 North 200 West, Room 225 Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 |
Adult Protective Services 120 North 200 West, Room 325 Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 |
| Phone: 801-538-4100 Fax: 801-538-3993 |
Phone: 801-538-3910 Fax: 801-538-4395 |
| 24-Hour Child Abuse Reporting: 801-281-5151 Domestic Violence Information Line: 800-897-5465 |
24-Hour Child Abuse Reporting: 800-371-7897 or 801-264-7669 |
We thank you for the care you provide to our members. We encourage you to educate your staff about the prevention and detection of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, as well as the resources available to victims. Contact the agencies listed above for additional information on prevention, detection, and available resources. These agencies can also provide support and information for your patients.