Olmsted County recognizes June as Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month

Every June, Olmsted County recognizes Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness that vulnerable adult abuse is considered both a public health and a human rights issue. It is important to recognize various types of vulnerable adult abuse, including financial exploitation, physical abuse, neglect and abandonment, emotional abuse, self-neglect, and sexual abuse. 

Below are some examples of various forms of abuse.

• Stealing financial information using the telephone, internet, or email is a form of financial abuse.
• A caregiver not responding to a vulnerable adult’s needs. This may include physical, emotional, and social needs, or withholding food, medications, or access to health care.
• A caregiver saying hurtful words, yelling, threatening, or repeatedly ignoring the vulnerable adult is form of emotional abuse.

“As a community, it is our responsibility to protect and advocate for vulnerable adults in all aspects of life,” said Mark Thein, chair of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. “Effective community partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement, health care, fire prevention, faith communities, utilities, banking institutions, and businesses can help keep vulnerable adults safe.”

The Olmsted County Adult Protective Services team receives and investigates reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults who are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental impairments. The team is comprised of a program manager, four investigators, and a county sheriff detective. In 2021, Olmsted County Adult Protective Services opened a total of 146 cases for investigation related to maltreatment of vulnerable adults.

“The work the Olmsted County Adult Protective Services team does is essential in keeping our vulnerable adult residents safe,” said Amy Thompson, Olmsted County Director of Adult and Family Services. “I applaud their dedication to our community.”

If you suspect an adult is being mistreated, please contact the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 1-844-880-1574. Mandated reporters can make reports online.