Photo: © Pexels/Shot by Rain
Later life should be a time of comfort and respect. For too many older adults, though, home doesn’t feel safe. It might be an adult child who controls the money, a caregiver whose patience has worn thin, or a partner whose words have turned sharp. Sometimes it’s neglect—being left without the care or company you need.
Abuse in later life is more common than most people realize, and it often goes unspoken. The Seniors Safety Line exists to change that.
Operated by the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, it is the only 24-hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any kind of abuse or neglect—physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect of care. You’ll reach a real, senior-friendly counsellor ready to listen, any hour of the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in more than 200 languages.
When Trust Is Broken: Understanding Financial Abuse
One of the most common—and most hidden—forms of harm is financial abuse. It can look like a relative “borrowing” money that’s never repaid, pressure to change a will, someone taking control of your bank account or pension, or a phone scam that drains your savings. Because it often comes from people we trust, it can be the hardest to name. You are not foolish for having trusted someone, and it is never too late to ask for help.
The line is here for every senior. Our services are offered to people of every gender, culture, faith, and ability, including 2SLGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit older adults. And you don’t have to be the one experiencing harm to call. If you’re a family member, neighbour, friend, or caregiver worried about an older person, counsellors are there for you too.
A Safe, Confidential Conversation—On Your Terms
What happens when you call? There’s no pressure and no judgement. A counsellor takes time to understand your situation and help you weigh your options at your own pace—emotional support, a safety plan, or a referral to legal help, health care, housing, or local services. Whatever you decide, the choice is always yours.
If something in your own life came to mind while reading this, your feelings are valid, and help is close. If someone you love came to mind, keep this number close.
REACH THE SENIORS SAFETY LINE—FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, ANONYMOUS, 24/7
For your safety, it’s best to call when the person you’re concerned about isn’t nearby. If they walk in, simply hang up—you can always call back.
Learn more: SeniorsSafetyLine.ca
Call: 1-866-299-1011
TTY: 1-866-299-0008
Online chat: Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. at SeniorsSafetyLine.ca
Proudly supported by the Government of Ontario, with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility as its major funder. Donations help the Assaulted Women’s Helpline answer every call—to give, visit awhl.org
Get your free copy of Global Heroes, jam-packed with positive news, straight in your inbox.
For 40 years, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline has served as a free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.