INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING OF ABUSE AND MISTREATMENT OF CHILDREN, ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY

Over the years we have been able to see that the issue of Abuse and Maltreatment is nothing new. The tragic phenomenon of child abuse continues an upward spiral in Puerto Rico, after the Department of the Family received 16,000 referrals in 2017, which represents up to a thousand reports above those that occurred in 2016. On the other hand, statistics from the Attorney General's Office record 10,283 complaints for the different types of abuse in a period from October 2015 to September 2016. Specifically, those of negligence are 3,496.

It is extremely heartbreaking and frustrating that even in the times in which we live, cases of abuse have continued to increase. In this module on Identification and Reporting of Abuse and Maltreatment of Children, Adults and the Elderly, all health professionals will be able to see in a more detailed way, what is Abuse, both in Children, Adults and the Elderly. It will recognize the role that corresponds to us when we are faced with a situation of this nature. Our goal will be to be able to intervene in a more assertive way, in accordance with the Laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Objetivos

1. Define the Concept of Abuse.

2. Define Child Abuse.

3. List at least four of the five types of child abuse.

4. Explain what Law No. 177 of August 1, 2003 consists of.

5. Recognize the three components of abuse

6. Explain the responsibility of the Department of the Family with respect to Child Abuse.