Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse
Get Help
Help is available if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or elder abuse.
| Service | Phone Number | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 9-1-1 | For an emergency or immediate assistance |
| SFPD Non-Emergency | 1-415-553-0123 | For police assistance that is not an emergency |
| 211 | 2-1-1 | For a multilingual directory of community services |
| La Casa de las Madres | 1-877-503-1850 | For 24-hour crisis support group that works closely with the SFPD |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-7233 | For confidential domestic violence support |
| Friendship Line at the Institute on Aging | 1-800-971-0016 | For 24/7 support for older adults |
| Eldercare Locator | 1-800-677-1116 | For help finding local services and support for elders |
Talk to your healthcare provider
You can also talk to your doctor. Most healthcare providers are trained to report domestic abuse and offer help to the victims. Be aware that they are also required by law to report such crimes.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence and abuse involve people in a relationship, whether they’re married, living together, dating, separated, LGBTQ+ or straight.
Domestic violence can include physical abuse as well as psychological or controlling behavior, such as:
- Name-calling or insults
- Stalking or harassment
- Isolating a partner in the home
- Controlling or withholding money
- Outright assault
Remember: Domestic violence is never okay. It is not your fault and help is available.
Domestic violence resources
- A list of shelters, hotlines, & programs in San Francisco
- Domestic violence information from the San Francisco Department of Health
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms. It can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse or financial abuse. The abusers may be the elders’ family members or caregivers.
Warning signs of elder abuse
- Depression or confusion
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or scars
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Signs of trauma, such as rocking back and forth
- Agitated, violent or seems withdrawn
- Disheveled, with unwashed hair or dirty clothes
- Bed sores or other preventable conditions
- Recent or sudden financial loss
Elder abuse resources
- The National Institute on Aging provides extensive information on elder abuse;
- The Eldercare Locator, reachable by phone at 1-800-677-1116, offers support programs for elders in your community.
San Francisco Police are here to help
The SFPD Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigates all felony arrest cases involving domestic abuse against minors and adults and bring cases to the District Attorney’s office for prosecution. We also investigate cases in which arrests have not been made. If you are a victim in a case in which there has been no arrest, we will call to advise you on your next steps and what services may be available. Please remember to notify us if you do not want us to leave a message.
For elder and dependent adult abuse, SVU investigates all felony arrest cases involving abuse and neglect involving someone 65 years or older or a dependent adult between the ages of 18 and 64. We also review non-arrest and misdemeanor cases and send them to the District Attorney if warranted.
Contact the SFPD Special Victims Unit (SVU)
850 Bryant Street, 5th floor, San Francisco
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
1-415-553-9225
Request a copy of an incident report
Under CA Family Code § 6228, incident reports requested by a victim or their representative for the alleged crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and abuse of an elder or dependent adult are entitled to receive copies within five working days of the request, unless good cause for delay exists. If good cause exists, reports shall be released no later than ten working days after request is made.
For assistance requesting a report, contact the SFPD Crime Information Services Unit (CISU) at 1-415-575-7232.