Every person has the right to be free from abuse and neglect. People with disabilities tend to suffer these at much higher rates than the general population, so we are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can be safe wherever they are; whether in their homes, in their communities, or in nursing homes or institutions. If you believe your rights have been infringed, or if you believe you have been the victim of a crime, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Your Rights
- You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
- You have the right to decide who can touch your body in any way.
- You have the right to be safe wherever you live and play.
- You have the right to say “No” if someone is doing something you don’t want – even if the person doing it is someone you like.
If You Are Abused:
- You have the right to tell someone that you were abused.
- You have the right to talk to police about your abuse.
- You have the right to get help and accommodations to tell your story.
- You have the right to ask for someone trusted (like a therapist or counselor) to talk with you about your abuse.
What is Considered Abuse or Neglect?
There are many different types of abuse and neglect, but all types of abuse involve one person or group of people inflicting harm onto another person by either performing an action, or failing to perform an action. The following are just a few examples of abuse that should be reported:
- Physical Harm (example: pushing, hitting, or shoving).
- Restraint (example: being tied down).
- Forced Medical Treatment (example: having to take medication you do not want and do not legally have to take).
- Verbal Abuse (example: name calling or yelling).
- Neglect (example: when someone is supposed to take care of certain things for you, but they do not).
- Sexual Abuse (example: sexual assault, inappropriate touching, or sexual harassment).
- Financial Exploitation (example: someone stealing money, not spending your money on you and your needs).
How do I Report Abuse?
Disability Rights Wisconsin is not a first responder agency for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.
If someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call the police or 9-1-1 immediately.
To report abuse of an elder (60 or older) contact your county Elder Abuse helpline.
To report abuse of an adult (18-59) contact Adult Protective Services.
The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for assuring the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Wisconsin. If you believe that a caregiver, agency, or DQA regulated facility has violated the law, you can file a complaint with DQA.
To report child abuse or neglect contact Child Protective Services.
For additional information on Domestic Abuse, visit the End Abuse Wisconsin website.
For suspected sex/human trafficking:
Call 1-888-373-7888 (TTY: 711)|Text 233733
When suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation involves a person with a disability or mental illness, particularly when that abuse occurs in a program or facility funded by the state, we encourage you to also report this suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Protection and Advocacy system.
Disability Rights Wisconsin also provides advocacy assistance to victims of crime with disabilities regardless of whether that crime has been reported.
Referrals
Other places that may be able to help you:
Consumers’ Guide to Legal Help Abuse and Neglect Access to Public Benefits Access to Services ADA RightsAmerican Bar Association
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy
National Domestic Violence Hotline Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy
Client Rights Office Abuse and Neglect Patient and Institution Rights
Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy
Free Legal Answers Abuse and Neglect Access to Public Benefits Access to Services ADA Rights Advance Directives Victim AdvocacyAmerican Bar Association
Child Protective Services Abuse and Neglect Child Custody Children with Disabilities Domestic Violence Seclusion and RestraintWisconsin Department of Children and Families
Learn More
You can find more information on this topic from these websites and publications:
Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy
Out of Darkness…Into the Light Abuse and Neglect Children with Disabilities DRW Seclusion and Restraint Special Education Victim Advocacy
Legal information and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Abuse and Neglect Criminal Justice Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy
Creating a Safety Plan Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Mental Health Victim Advocacy
Creating Safety by Asking What Makes People Vulnerable? Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault DRW
Understanding the Connection – Traumatic Brain Injury and Violence Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault DRW Victim Advocacy
Special Education Subjects Reference–Seclusion and Physical Restraint Abuse and Neglect ADA Rights Children with Disabilities Seclusion and Restraint
Conversations about Interpersonal Safety Abuse and Neglect ADA Rights Domestic Violence Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault DRW Patient and Institution Rights
The Legacy Log of the Group of Learning and Infusion Abuse and Neglect ADA Rights Domestic Violence Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault DRW Victim Advocacy
Custody Information for Victims of Abuse Violence and Sexual Assault Abuse and Neglect Child Custody Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy
Access From an Interpersonal Angle Abuse and Neglect ADA Rights Assistive Technology Barriers to Accessibility Community Integration Self-determination
Strategies
Disability Rights Wisconsin may be able to help if you or someone you know has been abused or neglected in an institution or community setting. We advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to live their lives free of abuse or neglect. Our attorneys provide legal counsel for people who may have experienced abuse or neglect, our advocates fight tirelessly to prevent abuse and neglect in homes and institutions, and we fight for laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities to be free of abuse and neglect.