You may notice that “code of silence” is a risk for the caregiver too as well as for the resident. An example of this is when the caregivers believe that they are “not to report” or disclose any kind of abuse. It could mean that the agency has a policy to not report abuse to any outside or state entity or that amongst their peers you “just don’t say anything.” This could also be present due to the belief that says, “why bother no one ever does anything.” Please note that any written or verbal agency policy that does not allow for reporting directly to the state allegations of abuse is in direct conflict with the state statute.