Under California law, certain individuals are legally mandated to report known or suspected instances of elder abuse, including medical professionals, clergy, employees of health care facilities, and anyone who assumes responsibility for the care or custody of a senior. Failure to report elder abuse by these individuals may itself be a crime. If you are an affected family member, friend or just a concerned citizen who has witnessed or suspects elder abuse neglect, you should report your concerns as soon as possible. California has laws in place that shield reporters from liability in the event the report turns out to be false.