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Welcome to Safety Connector! 

This page is here to support the safety and wellbeing of you and your loved ones. You can find information about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and connect to local, state, and national services and supports. 

You can learn more about what can prevent or lead to elder mistreatment, the types of supportive resources, and more. Scroll down to the ‘Learn More’ section further down this page.

The Safety Connector is a new tool, and we are continuously working to improve the user experience and features. Share your feedback and help improve this tool. 

USER GUIDE

 

Search By Topic

Are you looking for local resources? Click the icons below and begin your search.

Would you rather talk to a human? Click the live chat box at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to connect with a 211 specialist or call toll-free 888-992-0959 - both are available 24/7. Please note that 211 specialists are required by law to report known or suspected cases of elder abuse. 

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What do you think? Share your feedback and help improve this tool.

 

Learn More

Learn more about how together we can create community connections and access to resources and services for older adults – and for all of us. We’re all aging and we all deserve safe, strong, loving communities. 

You can scroll through the headings below, or you can find more tailored information by clicking the different user buttons.

OLDER ADULT     CAREGIVER     PROFESSIONAL

Elder Justice is about creating communities in which older adults are valued and engaged, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We live in an ageist society and ageism fuels all types of elder abuse, by devaluing elders and this is a matter of human rights.

We all need to be able to recognize all forms of elder mistreatment, and know how to support someone we suspect is being abused, or find and receive support ourselves if we experience mistreatment. Following are some resources to learn how.

Elder abuse and how to recognize it - Video

Elder abuse and mistreatment

What is elder abuse? - Elder Justice Initiative

Risks of elder abuse

Perpetrators of elder abuse

Preventing elder abuse

Red flags of abuse - Infographic

Bruising in Older Adults: Accidental or from Physical Abuse

Mistreatment of adults with disabilities

Supporting Survivors of Abuse with Disabilities, I-CAN training module

Supporting Survivors of Abuse with Disabilities, I-CAN YouTube channel

Mistreatment of adults with dementia

Mistreatment of African American Elders

Mistreatment of LGBT Elders

Virginia Victims Assistance Network and Helpline

What to do if you suspect or witness elder abuse - Video

Mandatory support: Harm Reduction for Mandated Reporters

Adult Protective Services (APS)

A Day in the Life of an Adult Protective Services Worker - Video

Safety planning

Virginia sexual and domestic violence hotline and resources

Trauma informed care approach to elder abuse - Adult Protective Services

Tips and tools for person-centered trauma informed care in elder abuse

Dementia - Capacity and Abuse Reports

SAGE X HearMe LGBTQ+ App and 24/7 support

‘Signs of Elder Abuse’ factsheet - In English

‘Signs of Elder Abuse’ factsheet - In Spanish

‘Signs of Elder Abuse’ factsheet - In Chinese

‘Signs of Elder Abuse’ factsheet - In Korean

 

 

Safety Connector Resources

The services listed here are safe places to start connecting with the supports available for you. You are not alone.

Note: Some agencies may involve first responders, like fire, emergency, medical services, and police in emergency situations.

Download this information in a printable PDF

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Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Planning and Service Areas 
Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to access a range of services for all older adults. 

     - Website: https://www.vda.virginia.gov/aaamap.htm 

 

Adult Protective Services 
To report suspected adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the 24-hour, 

     - Toll-free hotline: (888) 832-3858. 

     - Website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/aps/AdultProtServ.htm

 

Virginia Lawyer Referral Service 
Access low-cost consultation ($35 for 30 minutes) with practicing members of the Virginia State Bar. 

     - Metro Richmond: (804) 775-0808

     - Toll-free number: (800) 552-7977 

     - Website: https://vlrs.community.lawyer/

 

Mental Health America Virginia 
Peer recovery specialists available to listen and offer non-judgmental support and resources for mental wellness.

     - Toll-free warm line: 1-866-400-6428

     - English Services: Mon- Fri 9am-9pm | Sat-Sun and Holidays 5-9pm

     - Spanish Services: Fri-Sat 5-9pm 

     - Text or Chat Servies: 5-9pm Wed-Sat

     - Website: https://mhav.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MHAV-Peer-WL-flyer-rev.-May-2021-1.pdf

 

Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman 
Advocacy, information, and assistance for older adults receiving long term care services.

     - Toll-free number: (800) 552-5019

     - Website: https://www.elderrights.virginia.gov/

National Elder Fraud Hotline 
A free resource created by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office for Victims of Crime for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older.

     - Toll-free: 1-833-372-8311 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET Monday - Friday

     - Website: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline


The Directory of Crime Victim Services 
Helps users locate victim services in the United States and other countries 

     - Toll-free number: 800-851-3420 or 202-836-6998 (TTY 301-240-6310)

     - Website: www.ovc.ojp.gov/directory-crime-victim-services

     - Email: askovc@ncjrs.govearch

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides 24/7/365, free and confidential support for people in distress, suicide prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

     - Toll-free: 988

     - Website: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

 

911 Emergency Dispatch
In an emergency, dial 911 from your phone immediately. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.

     - Toll-free: 911

     - Website: https://www.911.gov/

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The Safety Connector was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of multiple financial assistance awards totaling roughly $316,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.