In Virginia, the month of May is recognized as Adult Abuse Awareness Month. Each year, the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services strives to raise awareness and funds to support our work with our elderly and disabled adult populations.
Adult Protective Services/Adult Services, including Companion and Home Based Care, serves adults over the age of 60 and disabled adults between the ages of 18 and 59. For the 2021 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021), the State of Virginia received 37,398 Adult Protective Services reports. Of those reports, 23,968 were investigated, and 54% were substantiated cases of self-neglect. Other types of cases include physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, mental abuse, exploitation and financial exploitation. Since July 1, 2020, Fredericksburg DSS has investigated 30 Adult Protective Services referrals. Similar to statewide trends, 56% of these local cases were categorized as self-neglect. This is often times due to not being able to afford medical care or no food in the home.
Look for our informational booth set up at the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market on May 21 at Hurkamp Park. For information on Adult Protective Services, Adult Services Resources, Mandatory Reporter Training, or to make a donation to the Adult Protective Services/Adult Services Program, please contact Liz Smith at (540) 372-1032, ext. 255 or elizabeth.smith1@dss.virginia.gov.
To report a concern to Adult Protective Services, please contact the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services Intake Line Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM at (540) 940-2401. After hours and on holidays, please contact the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-888-832-3858.