As defined by law [RCW 74.34.020(2)(c)] “Mental abuse” means an intentional, willful, or reckless verbal or nonverbal action that threatens, humiliates, harasses, coerces, intimidates, isolates, unreasonably confines, or punishes a vulnerable adult. Mental abuse may include ridiculing, yelling, or swearing. Any incident originating on or after 7/24/2015-6/30/2022 must apply the previous definition below.
Effective 7/24/2015-6/30/2022 (SSB 5600): “Mental abuse” means a willful verbal or nonverbal action that threatens, humiliates, harasses, coerces, intimidates, isolates, unreasonably confines, or punishes a vulnerable adult. Mental abuse may include ridiculing, yelling, or swearing.
Examples of mental abuse may include:
- Statements that psychological/emotional abuse is occurring
- Demonstration of excessive fear
- Withdrawal
- Low self-esteem
- Extreme passivity
- Unusual agitation
- Nervous around certain members of household or caregiver
- Gives many excuses why cannot make phone calls
- Makes many excuses why cannot leave the house
- Depression; suicidal ideation
- Tearfulness
- Increased ambivalence
- Nightmares
- Increased anxiety; phobic behaviors
- Unusual behavior attributed to dementia, e.g., sucking, biting, rocking
Page Topic:
Vulnerable Adult Training