The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office actively works with our local law enforcement partners to ensure your public safety. We also are passionate about working on crime prevention initiatives. On this page you’ll learn about types of crimes, the warning signs of those crimes, and community resources if you find yourself or a loved one in need of assistance.
Remember, if you are in an emergency situation, contact 911 immediately.
ELDER ABUSE
Vulnerable adults and elderly citizens deserve protection. The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office takes these cases seriously. In order to hold accountable those who abuse vulnerable adults, our office utilizes various criminal statutes, such as Idaho Code 18-1505, which makes it a crime to abuse, exploit, or neglect a vulnerable adult.
If you believe a vulnerable adult you know is being abused or neglected, please contact law enforcement.
FORMS OF VICTIMIZATION
- Physical
- Psychological/Emotional
- Financial
- Sexual
- Neglect
WARNING SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE
Be aware of the following indications or forms of abuse:
- Physical: Unexplained bruises, welts or scars.
- Emotional: Caretaker threatens, belittles or uses controlling behavior
- Financial: Large withdrawals from elder’s accounts, suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, items or cash missing from the household
- Neglect: Unusual weight loss, bed sores, unsanitary living conditions, malnourished
REPORTING OPTIONS
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Adult Protective Services is administered through the Idaho Commission on Aging. It investigates suspected abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of physically or cognitively vulnerable adults, age 18 or older.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Please don’t hesitate to dial 911 where circumstances require immediate attention. In other circumstances, each agency listed below has dedicated, trained detectives to investigate a suspected crime. The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office receives and screens reports for criminal charges after an investigation is complete.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The most difficult step is often the first step. Please consider the following organizations for more information and resources as you navigate your particular situation.
CHILD ABUSE
Unfortunately, child abuse happens in our community. Because of the nature of these cases, our office has a team of trained and experienced deputy prosecutors who focus solely on the prosecution of child abuse and sexual assault crimes. Child abuse cases involve situations from injury to a child, to sexual abuse and exploitation of a child.
MANDATORY REPORTING
Idaho is a Mandatory Report state. This means if you have reason to believe “a child under the age of 18 years has been abused, abandoned or neglected or if you observe the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse, abandonment or neglect you shall report or cause to be reported within 24 hours such conditions or circumstances to the proper law enforcement agency or department.” (Idaho Code 16-1605).
You must report to the Idaho Department Health and Welfare or to your local law enforcement agency.
FORMS OF VICTIMIZATION
- Physical: Punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, hitting, or otherwise harming a child, that is inflicted by a parent, caregiver, or other person
- Neglect: is the failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs
- Sexual Abuse: includes acts such as soliciting a minor to participate in a sexual act, having sexual contact with a minor child, making photographic or electronic recordings of a child, or permitting a child to witness an act of sexual conduct.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse: may include threats, constant criticism, withholding love or support.
