The following information is from a publication produced by the
Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, entitled
No One Deserves
to Be Hurt. This provides comprehensive information about how to
recognize and report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person
with a disability.
People with disabilities are at a higher risk of abuse, neglect or
financial exploitation than people without disabilities. To ensure
that people with disabilities who are victims of abuse, neglect or
financial exploitation get the support they need, call for help.
Some Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Willful Depreviation
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Intimidation
Isolation
Financial Exploitation
Neglect
Indicators Of Abuse, Neglect or Financial Exploitation
The person with disabilities has unexplained bruises or cuts on his or
her body that could not have been caused by an accident.
The person with disabilities has health problems that are not being treated.
The caregiver of the person with disabilities does not allow him or her to have visitors.
Someone in a position of trust who has access to the person with
disabilities' money seems to be using the money for themselves.
The person with disabilities does not have adequate food, clothing or
personal care items when there is enough money to purchase them.
The personal items of a person with disabilities continually disappear.
The financial assets of a person with disabilities are transferred without
his or her approval.
Callers reporting abuse, neglect or financial exploitation may be asked to provide:
Name and address of the victim
Name and address of the abuser
Nature and extent of the injury or condition that resulted from the alleged
abuse, neglect or financial exploitation
Time, date, and location of the incident
Your name and address. (The identity of the person making the report will not
be disclosed except with their written permission or an order of the court.)
When did you last see the victim?
Any other information you think would be useful in assessing the suspected abuse,
neglect, or financial exploitation.
Crime Victims Compensation
If you are a victim or related to a victim of a violent crime, you may be eligible
for financial assistance through the Crime Victims Compensation Program. For
information call 1-800-228-3368 (voice/TTY).
CALL FOR HELP: If you believe a person with a disability is being abused, neglected,
or financially exploited. In case of an emergency in which life or health of the
individual is in danger, call 911 or your local police department. You should also
report the incident to one of the following agencies so that other assistance and
services can be provided to the victim.
To report abuse, neglect or financial exploitation in a home (domestic setting),
community program, or state operated facility, call:
Office of Inspector General
Department of Human Services
1-800-368-1463 (voice/TTY)
To report abuse, neglect or financial exploitation in a nursing home, call:
Department of Public Health
1-800-252-4343
1-800-547-0466 (TTY)
To report abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a child under age of 18, call:
Department of Children and Family Services
1-800-25-ABUSE
1-800-358-5117 (TTY)
To report abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a person age sixty or over, call:
Department on Aging
1-800-252-8966 (voice/TTY)
(8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
1-800-279-0400
(after working hours and on weekends)
No one deserves to be hurt. However, studies show that people with disabilities are at a
significantly higher risk of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation than people without
disabilities. As with most types of crime and crime victims, underreporting of crimes
perpetrated against people with disabilities is a major problem. To remedy this problem,
and to ensure that people with disabilities get the support they deserve, we urge you to
report incidents of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to the proper authorities.
In addition to investigating the incident, agencies can provide valuable assistance to
the person with a disability. If you need additional information, contact the Disability
Rights Bureau at 217-524-2660 or 217-785-2771 (TTY).
Disability Rights Bureau
Springfield
500 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706
217-524-2660
TTY: 217-785-2771
Chicago
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312-814-5684
TTY: 312-814-3374
Carbondale
1001 East Main Street
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
618-529-6400
TTY: 618-529-6403
Office of the Attorney General
Crime Victims Compensation Program
1-800-228-3368 (voice/TTY)
Office of the Inspector General
The Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General is the primary
resource for addressing the abuse or neglect of an adult with disabilities.
The following information is from website for the Office of the Inspector General.
"The OIG investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with
disabilities (18 - 59 years old). OIG also trains people who work with adults with
disabilities and makes site visits to state psychiatric hospitals and developmental
centers to assist in preventing abuse and neglect. Mission Statement: The Office of
the Inspector General assists individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities by
investigating all reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation in order to foster humane
and caring treatment of individuals with disabilities. To report abuse or neglect of an
adult with disabilities, call 1-800-368-1463 (24/7) and we will try to find an appropriate
office to help you."
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