Abuse and Protecting Yourself

It helps to plan for such an eventuality, even though it may be an unpleasant thing to have to ponder. 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.

Before you hire someone, you can request them to get a police background check. This will at least tell you some information about their criminal background. If you are in an emergency to hire make the initial hire temporary. In the contract we have drafted continued employment is contingent on the outcome of their background check.

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 could be important for injury and/or loss of property in filing a Tort Claim.
• Make arrangements to have someone with you as you confront or fire your employee, if you don't feel safe.
• If the provider is a state independent contractor, contact the state agency who pays the provider to report the situation. This is best done after you have ensured your own safety.
• Contact Washington Protection and Advocacy System at 1 800-562-2702. They can give you referrals, and in some cases they can ensure that other agencies are performing their duties in respect to your safety.
• File a Tort Claim in Small Claims Court to restore your property.

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