Responsabilidad de informar sobre abuso a adultos vulnerables

Explicación Simple

Si ves que alguien está lastimando o descuidando a una persona mayor o con discapacidad, tienes que decírselo a las autoridades. Si no lo haces y sabes que está pasando, puedes meterte en problemas con la ley.

Es como cuando ves que un niño está siendo intimidado en la escuela y no dices nada. Si no hablas, podrías sentirte mal por no ayudar y también podrías tener problemas por no haberlo reportado.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan, un cuidador, observa que su paciente, la señora Pérez, no recibe la atención que necesita y que a veces no le dan de comer. Si Juan no informa esto a las autoridades, podría enfrentarse a una multa o incluso a tiempo en prisión por no hacer nada.

Penalidades

Multa de hasta $2,500 o prisión de hasta un año por no reportar; penas más severas por abuso o negligencia.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

SECTION 16-3-1050. Failure to report, perpetrating or interfering with an investigation of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; penalties. (A) A person required to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult under Chapter 35 of Title 43 who has actual knowledge that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred and who knowingly and wilfully fails to report the abuse, neglect, or exploitation is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than twenty-five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year. A person required to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult under Chapter 35 of Title 43 who has reason to believe that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred or is likely to occur and who knowingly and wilfully fails to report the abuse, neglect, or exploitation is subject to disciplinary action as may be determined necessary by the appropriate licensing board. (B) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (E) and (F), a person who knowingly and wilfully abuses a vulnerable adult is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years. (C) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (E) and (F), a person who knowingly and wilfully neglects a vulnerable adult is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years. (D) A person who knowingly and wilfully exploits a vulnerable adult is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, and may be required by the court to make restitution. (E) A person who knowingly and wilfully abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult resulting in great bodily injury is guilty of a felony and, upon c