Connections Keep You Safe
This page provides information on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation while connecting you with valuable services and support. Explore resources in the 'Learn More' section below, and Share your feedback to enhance our tool.
Search by Keyword
Enter your ZIP code and start typing what you are looking for.
Search By Category
Are you looking for local resources? Click the icons below to see what local resources you can find.
What do you think? Share your feedback and help improve this tool.
Learn More
We are all getting older, and it's important for everyone to live in safe, supportive, and caring communities. You can browse through the sections below or click on the user buttons for more specific information tailored to your needs.
Emergency Lifelines & Support
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.
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 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 Services: 5-9pm Wed-Sat
- Website: Warm Line - Mental Health Virginia
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/
Project Partners
ABOUT The Virginia HEAR Project- Helping Elders Access Resources
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR AGING AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
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.