Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse

In the wake of widespread child abuse at Penn State, Emory has developed a campus-wide policy requiring faculty, staff, volunteers, students and third-parties to immediately report suspected Child Abuse to the Emory Police Department by submitting the Suspected Child Abuse Reporting Form or by making an oral report. If a child is in imminent danger, Emory University faculty, staff, volunteers, students and third-parties should call 911 if not on Emory’s campus or the Emory Police Department at 404-727-6111 if on Emory’s campus to obtain immediate protection for the child.

Indicators of Child Abuse

Suspected Elder Abuse

Abuse of elderly people takes many forms, but can be generally defined along the following terms:

Physical Abuse: Inflicting pain or injury on an elderly person
Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
Neglect: Failure by caretakers or those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, protection
Emotional Abuse: Causing mental pain or harm through verbal or nonverbal means
Abandonment: Desertion of elderly person by caretaker or anyone who has assumed responsibility for the care that person
Self-neglect: The failure of a person to care for his or her own health or safety

Untitled design.png

Signs of Elder Abuse:

Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
Behavior such as ridiculing, threatening, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.

Be alert. Suffering is often in silence. If you notice changes in a senior’s personality or behavior, you should start to question what is going on. Remember, it is not your role to verify that abuse is occurring, only to alert your supervisor or team leader of your suspicions.