At the Oregon REALTORS® 2026 Fall Convention, the topic of abuse reporting was discussed at the Principal Broker Forum. Members asked Oregon REALTORS® to provide additional education and resources to help brokers navigate abuse-related situations.
Over the next several weeks, the Tip of the Week will focus on abuse reporting topics. Oregon REALTORS® is also committed to developing a comprehensive abuse-reporting training program for brokers. That training will take time to create, but additional resources are already being developed.
The National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System’s 2023 report showed Oregon had the 16th-highest rate of substantiated elder abuse in the nation, with 4,691 victims. While that is significantly lower than California’s 75,383 victims, population size tells a different story. If Oregon had California’s population, Oregon would be expected to see approximately 43,500 elder abuse victims at its current rate.
The report also highlights several areas of concern. In California, roughly 70% of reported elder abuse cases involve self-neglect. In Oregon, that figure is only 14%.
Instead, Oregon has one of the highest rates of elder neglect in the country, second only to Puerto Rico. In this context, neglect refers to a caregiver’s failure to provide essentials such as food, medical care, safety, and other basic needs. This differs from self-neglect, in which an individual fails to meet their own needs.
Oregon also has the sixth-highest rate of emotional abuse nationwide. Compared to national averages, Oregon reports higher rates in every abuse category except self-neglect.
Reporting Abuse
Only Ohio designates real estate brokers as mandatory reporters of suspected abuse involving adults.
Several states have adopted “universal reporting” laws that require any adult with reasonable cause to believe an elder has been abused to make a report. Those states include Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming.
Oregon is not among them.
As an Oregon resident or real estate professional, you are not legally required to report elder abuse. However, reporting is strongly encouraged because abuse often continues unnoticed and unreported.
According to guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services, individuals who report suspected abuse in good faith are protected. Oregon law also keeps the reporter’s identity confidential.
While court orders or subpoenas may require the release of a reporter’s identity, state guidance outlines procedures that allow individuals to remain anonymous when making a report.
Why REALTORS® May Notice the Signs First
Real estate professionals are often in a unique position to observe signs of potential abuse.
As a buyer’s agent or listing agent, you are invited into people’s homes and frequently develop trusted relationships with clients. You may see living conditions, family dynamics, and personal interactions that others never witness.
No single warning sign proves abuse is occurring. However, if you observe multiple indicators or notice a pattern of concerning behavior, it may be appropriate to contact the authorities.
Potential warning signs include:
- Unexplained injuries or signs of physical punishment or restraint, including bruises, burns, or scars.
- Significant changes in behavior, including depression or anxiety.
- Preventable health issues such as poor living conditions or bedsores.
- Abandonment without a care plan when the individual cannot care for themselves.
- Sudden mood changes, particularly fear, withdrawal, agitation, or violence around certain individuals.
- Unexpected changes in banking or spending behavior.
- Unexplained financial losses or unpaid bills despite adequate resources.
- Missing personal-care or assistive items, such as glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or walkers.
- Poor hygiene, including unkempt clothing, hair, or dental care.
- Frequent conflict between a caregiver and the older adult.
- Situations where the older adult is not allowed to speak for themselves without a caregiver or family member present.
If you witness or reasonably suspect elder abuse, you are encouraged to call 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) or contact your local Department of Human Services office, county Aging and People with Disabilities office, or a local organization that serves older adults.