ABUSE AND PROTECTING YOURSELF

It helps to plan ahead prior to having a problem. Being prepared with a plan may make the difference between being a victim and taking control of the situation and staying in charge and protecting yourself. In your plan, figure out what your priorities are in the event of abuse or neglect or exploitation. The following steps are options that are available to you. You may change the order depending upon the situation.

Getting the Situation to Stop and Ensure Your Safety

• Tell someone else – get your network of support involved. This will demonstrate that you are not isolated and have friends and family to support you;
• If necessary, call the police and file a report;
• Document what is going on. This is important to support injury and/or loss of property claims;
• Make arrangements to have someone with you as you confront or fire your employee, if you don’t feel safe;
• If your assistant is paid by Medicaid, call the Regional Medicaid Unit. This is best done after you have ensured your own safety;
• Contact the Idaho Protection and Advocacy System, at 1-800-632-5125 or 882-0962 in Moscow;
• They offer information and in some cases they can ensure that other agencies you are working with are performing their duties in respect to your safety; and
• File a Tort Claim in Small Claims Court to restore your property.