Report suspected elder abuse anytime day or night at (800) 922-2275 or file a report online.
You can report elder abuse and neglect either by phone or online. Please read through the instructions before using the online reporting system.
- This page, Report elder abuse , is offered by
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Report elder abuse
Contacts
Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
Phone
Call Specialist available Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (interpreter services are available in 100+ languages)
The Details of Report elder abuse
What you need for Report elder abuse
There are 2 ways to report elder abuse: by calling the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline or by filing a report online.
Do not use the online system if:
- This is an emergency or life-threatening situation that must be dealt with immediately. Call 911 or make a verbal report to the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 922-2275.
- You want to report anonymously, as filing online requires you submit your name.
- You do not have the name and address of the victim. The online reporting system will not allow you to file such reports.
If any of these situations apply you must make a verbal report to the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 922-2275.
How to report Report elder abuse
Elder abuse reports can be filed 24 hours by phone at (800) 922-2275.
If a mandated reporter makes a verbal report over the phone, they must submit an Elder Abuse Mandated Reporter Form to the local Protective Services agency within 48 hours.
Please see the Elder Abuse Online Reporting User Guide for further instruction before you report elder abuse online.
You should not file a report online if:
- You want to report anonymously, as filing online requires you submit your name.
- You do not have the name and address of the victim.
Additional filing instructions:
- If you file online you DO NOT need to make a verbal report over the phone.
- If you are a mandated reporter and file online you DO NOT need to fax a written report to the local protective service agency.
- Online reports will be treated the same as verbal reports over the phone and referred to the local Protective Service agency.
*Please note: If you include your email address you will receive an email confirmation for your records after the report is submitted.
Next steps for Report elder abuse
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After a report is made
- Once a report is received, it will be reviewed by the local protective services agency.
- If a report is screened in for investigation, a Protective Services caseworker will be assigned to investigate the situation.
- The caseworker determines whether abuse or neglect is likely to be present and the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect.
- If abuse or neglect is confirmed, the caseworker will offer the elder a choice of services designed to alleviate or end the abusive or neglectful situation, and will refer to law enforcement if warranted.
Please note: In most cases intakes are reviewed the same day, but regulations allow up to 48 hours.
How do I know If my report was received?
If you report online:
If you include your email address you will receive an email confirmation for your records after the report is submitted.
If you call in the report:
Mandated reporters will be contacted by the protective service agency before screening out a report of abuse.
After a case has been investigated:
Mandated reporters will be informed of the Protective Service agency’s actions in response to the report within 45 calendar days of the report.
Non-mandated reporters shall be notified only upon their request.
More info for Report elder abuse
Elder Protective Services only has jurisdiction to investigate cases of abuse where the individual:
- Is over the age of 60
- Resides in the community
To report abuse of an adult under the age of 60, contact the Disabled Persons Protection Commission at (800) 426-9009.
To report abuse of a patient by nursing home or hospital staff, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (800) 462-5540.
Downloads for Report elder abuse
Open PDF file, 91.15 KB, Elder Abuse Mandated Reporter Form (English, PDF 91.15 KB)Open PDF file, 546.67 KB, Elder Abuse Online Reporting User Guide (English, PDF 546.67 KB)Contact for Report elder abuse
Address
Phone
Call Specialist available Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (interpreter services are available in 100+ languages)
Fax
Fax Number (617) 727-9368Related