Definitions of Adult Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation

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You are on this page: Definitions of Adult Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation

The following definitions are from New York State Social Services Law Section 473:

Physical Abuse
Non-accidental use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This includes, but is not limited to, being slapped, burned, cut, bruised, or improperly physically restrained.
Sexual Abuse
Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, forcing sexual contact with self or forcing sexual contact with another person.
Emotional Abuse
Willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, intimidation or other abusive conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, isolating or frightening an adult.
Financial Exploitation
Improper use of an adult’s funds, property, or resources by another individual. This includes, but is not limited to, fraud, embezzlement, forgery, falsifying records, coerced property transfers, or denial of access to assets.
Active and Passive Neglect
Active neglect is the willful failure by a caregiver to fulfill care-taking functions and responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to, abandonment, deprivation of food, medication, water, heat, cleanliness, eyeglasses, dentures, or health-related services. Passive neglect is the non-willful failure to fulfill care-taking responsibilities because of inadequate caregiver knowledge, infirmity, or disputing the value of prescribed services.
Self-Neglect
This is the adult’s inability, due to physical and/or mental impairments, to perform tasks essential to caring for oneself.