Adult Abuse in Iowa

Iowa has a three-part system for handling adult abuse. The response can change based on the adult's abilities and living arrangements. Check the “How to Report” section below for details.

Dependent adult abuse refers to the abuse or neglect of a person eighteen years of age or older who cannot protect their own interests or cannot perform or obtain necessary services to meet essential human needs due to a physical or mental condition that necessitates assistance from another. Persons who meet the definition of “dependent adult” have either been abused or neglected by a caretaker or have neglected themselves. “Caretaker” means a related or non-related person who has the responsibility for the protection, care, or custody of a dependent adult as a result of assuming the responsibility voluntarily, by contract, through employment, or by order of the court. The Department of Health and Human Services evaluates dependent adult abuse in community settings.

The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing assesses dependent adult abuse in a facility setting when the perpetrator is a staff member.

Elder Abuse refers to harm done to someone aged 60 or older. It can include abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation. In 2022, a law in Iowa was passed to criminalize elder abuse and enhance existing penalties. If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder abuse, please make a report to law enforcement.

For more help, contact an Elder Rights Specialist at your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). They can connect you to community services that provide resources to reduce or stop abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The AAAs offer services for Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness. They focus on preventing, detecting, and reporting elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. They also give older Iowans options to improve their lifestyle and stay safe at home.

How to Report

If you think a dependent adult is being mistreated, call the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Dependent Adult Abuse at 1-800-362-2178. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you think there is dependent adult abuse in a health facility or program, call the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing Complaint Hotline at 1-877-686-0027. You can also email hfd_complaint@dia.iowa.gov.
If you worry about your care, quality of life, or rights as a resident, reach out. You can also call on behalf of a loved one in Iowa's long-term care facilities. Contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-866-236-1430.
For concerns about abuse of an older adult who is not dependent, contact your local Area Agency on Aging through LifeLong Links online or call 1-866-468-7887. The Area Agencies on Aging all provide elder abuse prevention and awareness services.

Know the Signs of Elder Abuse

Some adults may be at higher risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Types of elder abuse include:

Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Financial abuse or exploitation
Neglect
Self-Neglect

See full list of types of abuse and warning signs

See full list of types of abuse and warning signs

Gather What You'll Need to Report Adult Abuse

Here’s what you need to know for a report on suspected adult abuse:

Name and address of the alleged victim.
A description of the alleged mistreatment and the situation: what did you observe?
What is the nature and extent of the injury?
Who is the alleged perpetrator, name and address if possible?
Does the alleged perpetrator have access to the alleged victim?
Any other information that you feel is relevant.
Other information that will be helpful to provide when making the report includes:
What prompted the call today? Did something happen?
How is the adult being mistreated? When did you last see the adult?
Does the adult have any medical or physical conditions that impair the adult's ability to provide for day-to-day needs?
Does the adult have a diagnosed mental illness or show signs of a mental illness?
Does the adult have any problems with memory, decision making, or understanding how to care for him/herself?
Does the adult have any developmental, intellectual, or cognitive disability that is impairing the ability for self-care?
Has there been any decline in the adult's ability to adequately do cooking, shopping, using available transportation, managing medications, or mobility?
Is the adult working with any service providers to address his/her needs? Any friends or family that are supportive?
Have any actions been taken yet that address your concerns?

See full list of types of abuse and warning signs

See full list of types of abuse and warning signs