Protecting Seniors with the North Carolina Department of Justice. NC law protects disabled adults of any age from abuse, neglect and exploitation.County departments of social services receive and evaluate reports to determine whether disabled adults are in need of protective services. Adult Protective Services investigates allegations of abuse, caretaker neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of elderly and disabled adults. Domestic abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled or elder adults. Who is a Vulnerable Adult? If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect While most of us want nothing but the best for our children, child abuse and neglect are too common. Below, the attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices explain how to spot elder abuse and what to do if maltreatment is suspected.