When you see suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation, it is easy to think that “somebody should do something.” Let that  somebody be you. Use the resources below to know whom to call. Anyone in Ohio can report the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of someone else (or themselves). There is no cost for reporting and you can file a report anonymously. There are no penalties for reports made in good faith. Your action could save someone's life.

Mandatory reporters

In Ohio, several types of professionals are required by law to report suspected elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Mandatory reporting changes and saves lives. Reporting elder abuse is the critical first step in taking action to address it and get victims the help they need. Find resources for mandatory reporters.

Abuse in the home or community

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services supervises the state’s Adult Protective Services program, which helps vulnerable adults age 60 and older who are in danger of harm, are unable to protect themselves and may have no one to assist them. County departments of job and family services receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation and evaluate the need for protective services.

To report suspected abuse, call the statewide, toll-free help line at 1-855-644-6277, contact your county Department of Job and Family Services, or use the Ohio Adult Protective Services Online Referral tool.

Use our Elder Abuse Reporting Checklist to gather and report information that will help investigators take action.

Abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility

The Department of Aging is home to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which advocates for people receiving home care, assisted living and nursing home care. Paid and volunteer staff work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider and offer information about benefits and consumer rights. To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility or by staff of a home care agency, call the State Ombudsman’s Office toll-free at 1-800-282-1206, or contact your regional long-term care ombudsman program.

The Ohio Department of Health investigates suspected abuse, neglect, misappropriation, and exploitation in licensed nursing homes and residential care facilities and maintains a nurse aide registry.

Financial exploitation and scams

The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides services to help older adults avoid scams and abuse, report exploitation and more. The Attorney General also operates the Missing Adult Alert system, which can help law enforcement locate missing at-risk older adults.

The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Securities, arms older consumers with tools to recognize and avoid investment fraud, and offers tip sheets on older adult fraud and guardian financial abuse.

Learn more about frauds and scams that target older adults.

Missing older adults

When older adults go missing, they can be at increased risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Ohio has a Missing Older Adult alert system that makes it easy for Ohioans to report when an older adult or someone with a mental impairment goes missing. Most importantly, once a report is made, the system sends notification to the media, law enforcement, and the general public. This gets more people looking for the person and makes it more likely that they will be found safe.