Abuse
Hurting an adult who needs help, either on purpose or by not doing something they should. This includes:
- Physical harm: Causing pain or injury, like bad bruises, cuts, not giving enough food or water, burns, broken bones, poisoning, swelling, or choking.
- Unfair restriction: Holding them back or tying them up in a way that's not normal or safe for someone taking care of them.
- Unlawful sexual acts: Any sexual behavior that is against the law.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual act that is against the law, including sexual assault, sexual contact without permission, child sexual abuse, or any related crimes. It includes unlawful sexual behavior as defined by law C.R.S. § 16-22-102.
Caretaker Neglect
When a person caring for an adult who needs help doesn't give them the food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision they need. It also includes when a caretaker scares or bullies the adult. However, it's NOT neglect if medical care or treatment is withheld or stopped based on a valid medical order or plan.
Exploitation
Unfairly taking advantage of an adult who needs help for personal gain. This includes tricking, scaring, or forcing them to give up money or property, making them work for someone else's benefit, or misusing their money so they can't pay for their care or basic needs.
Self-Neglect
An at-risk adult seriously harms their own health or safety by not getting the services they need for basic things like food or shelter. However, it's not self-neglect if someone chooses their own lifestyle, refuses medical treatment based on a valid medical directive, or refuses food and water due to a serious illness.
Harmful Act
Doing something to an adult who needs help that causes them damage, even if it's not abuse, caretaker neglect, or exploitation.
Colorado Protective Services for At-Risk Adults C.R.S. § 26-3.1-101 definitions.