Adult Abuse Prevention Month
By Orange County Department of Social Services
This month, the Orange County Department of Social Services is highlighting ways to detect and prevent Adult Abuse in all its forms. The adult population served through Adult Protective Services (APS) and Adult Services (AS) are adults aged 60 and over, and incapacitated persons ages 18 to 59 who have been abused, neglected, or exploited, or are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, without regard to income or resources.
Common signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation can include:
• Individual lacks needed aids such as dentures, glasses, hearing aids, or medications
Individual being restrained
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• Presence of fracture(s), discoloration(s), or sprain(s)
• Presence of burns, welts, bruises, cuts, scratches
Presence of bedsores
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• Individual has an untreated medical condition
Malnourished condition
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• Lack of heat, running water, electricity at residence
• Accumulation of debris at residence
• Inappropriate or inadequate clothing
Hazardous living conditions
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• Sudden changes in will or power of attorney
• Mismanagement of property or savings
Missing personal belongings
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Unpaid bills
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• Severe anxiety, fearfulness, or depression
2022 Infographic from Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Adult Protective Services Division.
Unsanitary or unsafe housing
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Mistrust of others
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According to the Governor ’ s proclamation of Adult Abuse Prevention Month, Virginia Adult Protective Services received over 43,000 reports of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation during fiscal year 2023. This represents an eight percent increase from the previous year. Reports of self - neglect comprise a large portion of total reporting figures. If you notice someone who exhibits any of the above indicators, please contact the Orange County Department of Social Services Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at (540) 672 - 6166. Concerns can also be reported to the 24 - hour state hotline at (888) 832 - 3858. Reporters can remain anonymous and should not wait to know for certain if someone is experiencing abuse or neglect. If there are any indicators or suspicions of abuse or neglect, please call, and allow our team of experts to assist.
Page 2 | May 2024
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