The standard for reporting suspected abuse and neglect is "reasonable cause to believe" which means that mandated reporters need only a "mere suspicion" that abuse or neglect was committed against a person with a disability. If abuse or neglect is suspected, trust your feeling and report to the Disabled Person's Protection Commission (DPPC) 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-426-9009. It is better to err on the side of action.
In addition to reporting suspected abuse and neglect, mandated reporters are also required to report to the DPPC all cases in which an individual with a disability has died, regardless of whether or not abuse or neglect is suspected.
For reporting suspected abuse and neglect committed against children, elders and persons residing in long-term care facilities (otherwise known as nursing homes) refer to the following numbers.
Massachusetts abuse reporting numbers
- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
(24 hours / 7 days a week)
Ages 18 to 59
1-800-426-9009
Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers, please use Video Relay Services (VRS) or MARelay (711) - Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
(24 hours / 7 days a week)
Ages 60 and over
1-800-922-2275 - Department of Public Health (DPH)
All ages residing in long term care facilities
1-800-462-5540 - Department of Children and Families (DCF)
(24 hours / 7 days a week)
Birth to age 17
1-800-792-5200