Welcome to the Safety Connector! This page provides information on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and connects you with valuable services and support. Visit our user guide to learn about all the features on this page. To report adult abuse, neglect or exploitation (non-emergency) use the Adult Protective Services Reporting Portal.
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Learn About Safety
It is important for everyone to live in safe, supportive, and caring communities. Browse through the resources below to learn more.
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
What is elder abuse? - Elder Justice Initiative
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
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
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
In age-friendly communities people are safe at every age, and have access to the resources and support they need to be safe and well. Learn more here.
Create your own social connection plan
Understanding Social Isolation and How to Stay Connected
National Institute on Aging publications - English and Spanish
Risk and protective factors of elder abuse for community-dwelling minorities - …
Financial exploitation - Elder Justice Initiative
Protecting older adults from fraud and financial exploitation
22 tips for seniors to avoid scams
Phone scams: what you should know
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Medicaid home and community-based waivers
Advance Directive Registry to securely store documents
Decision-making ability and risk of elder abuse
Options in Virginia: Choices less restrictive than guardianship
Guardianship: Case study and red flags for abuse
Information for Virginia Guardians and Conservators
Supported Decision Making - frequently asked questions
Long-term care Ombudsman program - What you must know
Find a Virginia Local Ombudsman
Find information on how to be an effective caregiver while also taking care of yourself.
Find your local Area Agency on Aging
The National Council on Aging - resources for older adults, caregivers, profess…
Caregiving - Tips and Information
Family Caregiver Support in Virginia
The Virginia Caregiver Coalition
"Do You Care Challenge" - caregiver simulator
Tips on Long Distance Caregiving
Printable Safety Resource
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.
Helping Elders Access Resources: Videos
Virginia HEAR: Making Virginia a Safe Place to Grow Old
Ageism and Elder Abuse - Room for a New Story
Elder Abuse and How to Recognize It
It Takes a Community to End Elder Abuse
What if You Suspect, or Witness Elder Abuse?
Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams
Project Partners
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR AGING AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
ABOUT Helping Elders Access Resources - HEAR - Project
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.