How Do I Report Abuse in a Public Mental Health Center

Reporting abuse in the mental health care sector can be hard, particularly if the abuser is your coworker or friend. Here is information on how to report abuse so that something is actually done about it.

Reporting abuse in an institutional setting can be intimidating and difficult. The victim may be violent and unhelpful and you may face retaliation and hostility from your coworkers. However it is important to keep in mind that the patients have very few rights with which to defend themselves and run the risk of suffering from all kinds of abuse, including risking death in a violent restraint. Reporting abuse may save patients lives.

Step 1

Ascertain that it is abuse that is going on. This can be particularly hard in places like group homes or institutions because sometimes patients fight each other, causing wounds. In other cases a patient may have privileges removed for bad behavior. Laws vary by the state so denying food for misbehavior may be illegal and constitute abuse in New Mexico but be legal in another state. Other issues may include how patients are subdued and what kind of holds they are put into and whether the use of force is excessive. If a hold is the first response to any behavior including being simply obnoxious it is likely abuse, however a rough but properly done hold in a moment of struggle may look awful but it is not abuse. Also remember to keep in mind that there are people who self injure so you need to find out who is causing the injuries or abuse before going further.

Step 2

Find out if the abuse is regular or if it was a single incident. Abuse is rarely ever a one time thing unless you are fortunate enough to catch it as it starts. Do not ask patients who hit them or if such and such person hurt them because this can be seen as "leading" the victim and may cause a future court case to be lost. Always ask about a new bruise or scratch, reddened cheeks or file info on hurt private parts. Try saying something like "I see you have a new scratch there, what happened?" to the patient.

Step 3

Write a journal keeping track of all the incidences. Most facilities will have one for each patient but you should keep your own and compare to the official one daily. Make a note of any discrepancies such as bruises not mentioned or changes in behavior out of no where. Always write down the dates, who was on shift and where and any incidences with other patients since it may not be a caregiver being abusive in some cases.

Step 4

Write out the appropriate state report. Most states will have an abuse hot-line which you may get the number for by contacting a local directory or information hot-line, searching online or even at the local library. Some states require the necessary information to be posted in a prominent area in any group home or care facility. Attach a photocopy of your notes to the form. Basically your notes constitute an eye witness sequence of events and if well written may let you report the abuse anonymously. However, a random report with no information to back it up is often times ignored or rationalized by the institution as "a disgruntled employee" or something similar.

Step 5

Decide whether you want to use the "official" route to report abuse or go strait to the appropriate authorities. Keep in mind that retaliation against you (particularly if you are employed by the center) and the victim is not only possible but likely in many places, however, it is illegal so document everything.

Tips

Reporting abuse is hard. Sometimes you may have to report your boss or even a good friend. It might be possible to discuss the abuse with the abuser and ask them to stop but this may have no effect. Remember that your patient has few legal rights and relies on outside help. Don't be complicit in committing a crime.