REPORT – IT’S THE LAWLearn the signs, look for them, and report any suspicions (may be anonymous).It’s a crime to ignore abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or an adult with a disability.

LEARN• Memorize signs and symptoms• Visitapdcares.org/zero-toleranceforadditional

facts and resources

LOOK• Keepan eye out for signs, note any sudden

changes in behavior or condition• Payattentiontophysicalappearance,mood,

interactions with others• Takenoteofcaregiver’sattitude(e.g.,controlling,

apathetic,undertheinfluence)

REPORTIf you suspect someone is being abused, neglected, or exploited: • Iftheperson’slifeorhealthisinimmediatedanger,

call 911• Call the Florida Abuse Hotlinetoll-freeat

1-800-96-ABUSE(1-800-962-2873),file a report onlineatreportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us,orfax a statementto800-914-0004

• Bepreparedtoprovidethevictim’sname,dateandcircumstances of event, and victim’s location

1-866-APD-CARES(1-866-273-2273)apdcares.org/zero-tolerance

/APDCares/FloridaAPD

2018

Zer Tolerance

ENDING THE ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF PEOPLE

WITH DISABILITIES

ZeroToleranceisaninitiativeoftheFloridaAgencyforPersonswithDisabilities.Together,wecanendthe

abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with disabilities.

BE THE DIFFERENCEPersonswithdisabilitiesareatamuchgreaterriskof being abused, neglected, or exploited than the general population. But you have the power to stop these crimes.

WHAT IS ABUSE? • Realorthreatenedphysicalorsexualharm

(in person, over phone, or online)• Bullying,name-calling,intimidation,taunting• Cyberbullying,includingunwantedmessagesor

photos via phone, text, email, or social media• Encouragementofself-harm

Signs may include:• Bruises,burns,cuts,brokenbones,sudden

difficultywalkingorsitting• Fearofparticularpersonorplace• Nightmares or disrupted sleep patterns• Sudden/unexplainedchangesinbehavioror

physical condition• Incontinenceinsomeonepreviouslytoilet-trained• Vaginalorrectalpain,painfulurination,

frequentUTIs

TIPS• Never give a stranger personal information

(e.g.,address,SocialSecuritynumber,bankaccount, credit card information) in person, over the phone, or online

• Neversendmessages/photostostrangersthrough text, instant message, or social media

• If a stranger asks for personal information or photos, contact a trusted adult, caregiver, or the police

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?• Usingforce,fraud,orcoerciontorecruit, hide, transport, sell, or buy a person for sex,

labor, or services as a slave• Practicesmayincludebeating,torture,lies,

withholding wages, threats of harm, intimidation, humiliation,falsepromisesoflove/friendshipormoney/reward

• Aformofabuseandofexploitation;doesnotmean transporting or smuggling

• VictimsareoftenU.S.citizensandcanbeanysex/gender,fromanysocioeconomicbackground

WHAT IS NEGLECT?• Failuretogivesomeonebasiccaretokeepthem

healthy and safe• Maybephysicalormedical(e.g.,lackof

supervision, diet, medication, hygiene)

Signs may include:• Poorhygiene,deterioratingappearance•Bedsores• Dehydration• Unexplainedweightloss• Lackofneededadaptiveaids(e.g.,glasses,walkers,

or communication devices)• Lackofprescribedmedicationsormedicalcare• Self-apathy

WHAT IS EXPLOITATION?• Theftofmoneyorproperty,embezzlement,other

formsoffinancialfraud

Signs may include: • Suddendecreaseinbankaccountbalances• Largerormorefrequentwithdrawals• Problemspayingbillsorbuyingnecessities• Changesinwillsorfinancialdocuments• Victimbeginstoactsecretively• Unexplaineddisappearanceofmoneyorpossessions• Late or unpaid bills despite adequate funds