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know the signs

Elder Abuse, and Mental Health Awareness

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True Love Shouldn't Hurt

If you suspect or witness domestic abuse, alert Law Enforcement

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Whether it’s a blatant act of crime or an unsettling feeling that something’s off, witnessing wrongdoing is a call to action. Unfortunately, theft, violence, mental health crises, and abuse are often ignored, reduced to viral content, or met with uncertainty about how to help; we hold a firm belief:

Speak Up, Doña Ana County!

DASO’s mission is to empower individuals to safeguard our community by stepping in by Speaking Up! Together, we can turn passive observation into meaningful action. Let’s make a difference for our community by acting, not just watching.

Take Action & Speak Up!
If you suspect it call 575-526-0795
If you see it call 911

Brought to you by Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office

How to Report

Suspect a Crime:
Call 575-526-0795

If you suspect that a crime is happening but don’t have direct evidence, it’s still crucial to act. Call 575-526-0795 and share as much information as you can. Reporting suspicious behavior helps law enforcement gather vital details and make informed decisions to keep our community safe. 

See a Crime:
Call 911

If you witness a crime in progress, your safety is the top priority. Make sure you are in a secure location, then contact 911 immediately. The faster you report, the quicker help can arrive to prevent further harm and ensure the situation is handled by the authorities. 

Experience a Crime:
Call 911 

If you are a victim of a crime and need urgent assistance, call 911 immediately. For non-emergencies or to find out how to get additional support, please reach out to our community resources. You don’t have to face this alone—help is available. 

Don't Waste Time & Save this Number

Copy and paste this number to add to your contact list for the next time you suspect crime.

575-526-0795

Dos and Don’ts

The Speak Up phone number should be used for situations that are not an immediate threat or emergency. If you are experiencing or witnessing an emergency situation, dial 911. It is also important to know what Speak Up dispatchers are able to deal with. If you are unsure, the dispatcher can direct you.  

Speak Up should be used for:

  • Suspicious activity
  • Welfare checks
  • Signs of animal abuse/neglect
  • Homeless population issues
  • Property theft
  • Vandalism
  • Public altercations

Speak Up should be used for:

  • United States documentation
  • Feral dogs/Animal control
  • ACO and codes
  • Building code violations
  • Housefires
  • Medical emergency
  • Car crashes

A rule of thumb is to ask yourself: “Is this a situation that requires immediate law enforcement action, or are lives in imminent danger?” The Speak Up number plays a crucial role in keeping 911 available for true emergencies while ensuring that police, fire, and other public safety services can still address community concerns. 

know the signs

Elder Abuse
Mental Health

Elder abuse may look like

  • Malnourishment
  • Poor Hygiene
  • Unexplained Loss of Money

Elderly people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia may be more vulnerable to abuse. Their caregivers, family members, and people involved in their daily lives are most likely to be the perpetrators.  

By being able to recognize these signs and notify law enforcement, you can help save a life.

There are various signs that an elderly person may be facing abuse. The most common signs are:  

Physical Abuse

  • Unexplained injuries

Physical signs of punishment

  • Restraint
  • Bruises
  • Scars
  • Burns

Emotional

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Changes in behavior
  • Isolation

Neglect

Preventable health issues

  • Bedsores
  • Unclean living conditions

Abandonment

  • Leaving an elder who needs help alone
  • Not planning for care in the absence

Sexual

  • Changes in mood
  • Withdrawn
  • Physical signs on body

Financial

  • Sudden changes in banking accounts
  • Frequent and unexplained spending
  • Forged checks
  • Changes to will, life insurance, or title to house without permission

Food withholding is always abuse.

If you know someone who is deprived of food or necessities and is suffering, please Speak Up! 

Food withholding is a form of abuse that involves denying meals as punishment or using this method to condition bodily image. This most commonly happens to young children, people with disabilities, and elderly adults. 

Signs of food withholding in an individual may include but are not limited to:

  • Evidence of malnutrition/hunger complaints
  • Adverse behavior when food is mentioned or present
  • Hiding food
  • Excessive monitoring of food intake
  • Fatigue and weakness

Mental Health Crises

We’ve all seen it. Driving down the street and seeing our unhoused population acting bizarrely.  It may be normal, but it may be a mental health crisis, an overdose or an emergency. Make sure you stay safe and call Law enforcement if it looks like they may harm themselves or others. 

Someone struggling may be a cry for help, so speak up, it could save someone’s life.  

  • Expressing extreme paranoia and exhibiting violent or aggressive tendencies
  • Unusual behavior like sleeping in high traffic areas, walking around unclothed or running into traffic.
  • Someone who is vomiting, losing consciousness, confused or is unresponsive may be experiencing a drug overdose or is in a serious medical emergency. If left untreated this may result in death.

A large amount of unhoused people are struggling with mental health disorders.

These disorders may include:

  • Substance use disorders
  • Antisocial personality disorders
  • Severe depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety disorders

ways to spot a mental health crisis in an individual

In Dona Ana County, there is a large population of unhoused people who may exhibit these signs. Individuals in the public may also show signs of mental health crises.

Whoever the individual is, it is important to report to law enforcement if you witness any of these warning signs:  

Psychosis symptoms

Hallucination, delusions, erratic behavior, paranoia

Mood swings

Sudden changes in mood, irritability, anger outbursts, sadness

Self-harm behaviors

Talking about harming oneself, high risk situations (sleeping in high traffic areas, running into traffic, suicidal action/preparation)

Substance abuse

Agitation and aggression

Context matters.

What could be considered a normal fluctuation in behavior for a housed person may be a serious sign of crisis for an unhoused person. 

Key Facts about

animal abuse

They can't ask for help. But you can. Learn more

Key Facts about

Internet Scams, Car Theft, and Child Safety Risks

Law enforcement needs your help. Learn more

True Love Shouldn't Hurt.

Abuse in Doña Ana County: Would You Recognize It? Learn more

January was

Human Trafficking

Awareness Month

Learn more about the signs in your community

Brought to you by:

Sheriff Doña Ana County Est. 1852 New Mexico
Speak Up Doña Ana County

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