Rights to Victims of Elder Abuse/Neglect
According to Kansas Statutes, it is a crime when a person age 18 years and older who are unable to protect themselves and their own interests is harmed or threatened with harm, whether financial, mental, or physical in nature through action or inaction of another individual or through their own action or inaction.
If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of abuse/neglect, there is help available.
ESCAPE
What to Expect
- Compassionate, supportive medical care
- Privacy to be maintained
- Have everything explained
- A complete history will be taken
- Seek informed consent
- Conduct a head-to-toe examination
- Conduct a detailed genital examination as indicated
- Collect evidence as indicated
- Perform lab work, if needed
- Perform imaging studies, if needed
- Discuss and/or provide medication options
- Provide follow-up and referrals
- Provide community resources
Preserving DNA Evidence
Evidence preservation following abuse/neglect is important to building a case and assisting forensic nurses and law enforcement. Patients should refrain from showering or bathing until they come to the hospital to be examined.
- Do NOT drink any liquids
- Do NOT brush your teeth
- Do NOT use mouthwash
- Do NOT take a shower
- Do NOT take a bath
- Do NOT douche (flush the vagina)
- Do NOT change your clothes
- Do NOT urinate (if at all possible)
- Do NOT have a bowel movement
Bring any other items related to the abuse/neglect with you to the hospital or give them to law enforcement