This video reviews the do’s and don’ts for social workers, personal care attendants, home health aides or others who care for persons with intellectual disabilities, if they suspect that the person being supervised has been sexually assaulted or abused.
Key takeaways:
- Don’t try to determine whether there was an assault. Let social services and law enforcement handle issues of consent and the details of what happened.
- Take notes and/or complete an incident report immediately. Include specific words used, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and any observed changes in behavior.
- Don’t suggest feelings.
- Avoid leading questions.
- Call the abuse hotline for your state and make a report. Depending on your state, caregivers are typically mandated reporters and are required by law to report sexual abuse or assault.