Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment will not be tolerated in any agency receiving funds from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Unfortunately, people with disabilities are abused, sometimes by the very people who are there to support them. It is your right to live, work, and have fun in a safe environment and to be treated with respect. It is against the law for someone to abuse or hurt you.
Abuse is verbal, physical, sexual or emotional. Here are some examples of abuse:
- Someone yelling at you or calling you names.
- Taking your money or using your money on themselves.
- Someone making you do things you don’t want to do.
- Not allowing you to use the phone.
- Hitting, slapping, pushing, threatening.
- Touching you in private areas.
If you believe you are being abused – Tell someone – keep telling people until someone listens and helps you get out of that situation.
If you witness or suspect abuse or neglect of any individual receiving services, you are required to report it.
Take these steps immediately:
- Follow Up - Immediately follow up to ensure the individual is safe and receives any additional supports needed.
- Report It - Immediately report the incident to your supervisor.
- If no Action is taken by your supervisor - Immediately report the incident to the Office of Health Care Quality at (410) 402-8094 or toll-free (877) 402-8220 and/or to your DDA Regional Office.
If found abusing or neglecting an individual, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
If you see something, say something.
