If you are in danger and want law enforcement to respond, call 911.  To talk to someone confidentially for support and information, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224.  To find your local sexual abuse victim service program, call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE).
Older adults can be harmed in many different ways by spouses, partners, adult children or other family members or others, including strangers. If you or an older adult you know is being harmed help is available. To learn more about this topic, please continue reading below.

Is Someone Harming You?

If you feel you are being harmed or that someone is taking advantage of you, it is a good idea to get more information. To read more about some signs that someone may be harming you, please click on the following link: Am I Being Harmed? (PDF 205 KB)

What Can You Do if You're Being Harmed?

There are programs and individuals available to listen and work with you as you decide what you want to do next. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline to learn about additional programs that serve your community at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. If someone is harming you in a sexual way contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE). Calling this number directly connects you with whatever victim service program serves your area (based on your area code).

Create a Safety Plan

Safety planning is a process in which an advocate helps you think through various options and resources based on your specific situation, whether you plan to continue your relationship with the person harming you or plan to leave. Consider contacting a victim service program to find an advocate who can help you create a safety plan. For more information on safety planning, click the links below:

Learn More about Services

Sometimes it can be hard to know who to call and what services are available. The links below provide general information about services that are available in some communities. Programs differ across the country so contact your local agency to learn more about what they offer.

Listen to Older Survivors

Many older adults who are being harmed display amazing personal strength and courage during difficult times. Some older survivors are speaking out about their experiences to help other victims know that they are not alone and help is available.

To hear directly from some older adults that were being harmed, please click any of the following links:

Other pages in this section

Safe exit Quickly & safely exit this site