Region Specific Resources Below
The Adult Protection Act protects adults who are at risk of abuse and neglect, and who do not understand or appreciate that risk.
Contact your Regional Health Authority at 1-855-376-4957 to report an adult who may be at risk of abuse or neglect and who does not understand or appreciate that risk. No long distance charges will apply. You can report confidentially.
Call 911 for emergencies or situations requiring the police.
AGE-WELL is a national research and innovation network. A wide range of partners work together to create technologies and services that benefit older adults. They promote the conversion of an idea or invention into a good or service that may satisfy a need or improves a life. Check out this dynamic network.
The Better Business Services sets standards for and evaluates businesses, charities, advertisements... BBB alerts customers and businesses to unfair or illegal practices and schemes in Canada (nationally and locally).
Services for NL are carried out online, by phone from Halifax through the BBB Atlantic Offices (see below).
Contact by telephone Toll free: 1-877-663-2363 or by E-mail: info@ap.bbb.org
The Canadian Bankers Association - CBA - works on behalf of domestic banks, foreign bank subsidiaries and foreign bank branches operating in Canada and their employees.
1-800-263-0231 Toll Free
CBA is:
- NOT a regulator
- Does NOT intervene in matters between banks and their customers
- Only able to provide general information about banks in Canada
- Website section just for Seniors (along with information on Powers of Attorney, Frauds, forms of financial abuse....
- Your Money Seniors is available at no cost and consists of a set of three, one-hour seminars on Financial Education for Canadian seniors over 55. It is available by Zoom or in person by a local banker.
- Website: www.cba.ca/about-your-money-seniors
Email: inform@cba.ca
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) connects people and organizations, works to share reliable information, and advances program and policy development on issues related to preventing the abuse of older adults.
Victims, witnesses and accused persons who have a disability that affects their communication, may require support communicating with police, legal and justice professionals. Communication Intermediaries facilitate two-way communication with persons with communication disabilities, not caused by significant hearing loss. This database provides a way to search for and communicate with qualified Speech-Language Pathologists (Communication Intermediaries) nearest to the desired location. The communication intermediary will respond in a confidential manner to your email to get information, negotiate services and payment. If this is an emergency, contact CDAC at admin@cdacanada.com
"We need social connections to thrive — no matter our age."
AARP [American Association of Retired Persons] Foundation spearheaded Connect2Affect to seek out solutions to social isolation. The goal is to create a network of resources that meets the needs of anyone who is isolated or lonely, and that helps build the social connections older adults need to thrive.
Newfoundland and Labrador Domestic Violence Help Line is a province-wide, toll free number. The Help Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CONTACT: 1-888-709-7090 CALL OR TEXT
The Help Line will detect the region where the caller is located and immediately connect them with one of ten transition houses (shelters). They will connect the caller with a trained professional directly or refer the person to the appropriate services.
This website from the Canadian Centre for Elder Law offers a series of educational tools to help seniors protect themselves against fraud. The tools identify some of the most common scams that con artists use these days to target seniors.
Guide to Programs and Services for Individuals and Families- Government of NL
This guide can help people find out what Provincial Government programs and services are available. See PDF version as link.
Printed copies or alternate formats are available upon request by calling 1-866-883-6600 or via email at
guidetoservices@gov.nl.ca
The Hope for Wellness Helpline – On-Line Chat Counseling Service
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box to connect with a counsellor on-line
Phone and chat counselling is available in
English and French.
On request, phone counselling is also available in:
Cree, Ojibway, or Inuktitut.
This website is dedicated to helping us all help older adults in abusive situations.
NICE has Tools (information and tips) on Caregiving, Dementia, End of Life Issues, Elder Abuse, and more.
Newfoundland and Labrador Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NLNPEA) is dedicated to bringing together resources and information on elder abuse, what it is and how to get help and support.
Section 3: Police-reported family violence in Canada: Statistics Canada, 2017
In 2017, there were 11,380 senior victims (aged 65 to 89 years) of police-reported violence in Canada. Of this number, one-third (33%) were victimized by a family member such as a child, spouse, sibling or other family member.
Select the link below to review this Statistical profile of family violence against seniors. Note that just under two-thirds (63%) of senior victims of family violence had physical force used against them, there may be unreported non-physical elder abuse carried out by family members and others.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) works to help improve the digital literacy of Canadians. For seniors, they raise awareness of privacy issues and rights, and provide guidance and information to help older adults reduce privacy risks.
On this page, you will find:
- Tips to help protect your privacy online
- Protecting personal information on your mobile devices
- 10 Tips for Protecting Personal Information
- Identity Theft and You
- Top 10 tips to protect your inbox, computer and mobile device
- Privacy presentation package
Find slides and speaking notes for presenting to seniors about online privacy and protecting personal information.
This page provides a link to OPC's individuals page where you will find a full range of privacy information and advice on a wide range of topics.
Taxpayers may receive communications from someone who claims to be from the CRA. These con artists request the taxpayer's personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number. This resource from CRA provides examples of fraudulent (deceitful or dishonest) communications through phone, online, mail, e-mail, text message. It also provides guidelines to the taxpayers to help identify communications not from the CRA .
Canadian Bankers Association promotes financial literacy to help Canadians make informed financial decisions. The financial literacy program, Your Money Seniors, has three modules: Cash Management, Financial Abuse, and Fraud Prevention
The Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors (PACAS) is a volunteer council of thirteen individuals from throughout the province. PACAS advises and informs the Provincial Government on issues, concerns, and requirements of older adults.
The Council ensures that the Provincial Government considers the perspective of older adults when developing current and future policies for service delivery. Council provides a strong voice for seniors in the development of programs and services that support independence and well-being.
Email: PACAS@gov.nl.ca
Did you know that PLIAN is a member of of the Public Legal Education Association of Canada?
PLIAN is the Public Legal Information Association of NL. PLEAC is made up of public legal education and information organizations from all across Canada.
PLEAC-ACEIJ just launched its new website
COVID-19 UPDATE: OCTOBER 14, 2021
Both PLIAN offices are OPEN in both St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Staff is working in both offices to serve clients for the Legal Information Line, Lawyer Referral Service, and The Journey Project
by phone, email, Zoom, or in person.
In-person clients are advised to book an appointment in advance before coming into the office. Masks and contact tracing is required for all in-person clients at both offices. PLIAN working on vaccine protocol for staff, clients, in-person sessions, and community partners.
In-Person Presentations: Case by Case basis, in accordance with public health guidance and restrictions (They try to ensure Zoom sessions are offered as well).
Staff continue offer PLIAN's
Legal Information Line and
Lawyer Referral Service
Have a general legal question or need to speak with a lawyer?
Telephone: 1-888-660-7788 (province-wide) OR 709-722-2643 (St. John's local)
E-mail: info@publiclegalinfo.com
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (island time)
PLIAN's OFFICE in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
Telephone: 709-896-5235
E-mail: labrador@publiclegalinfo.com
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 am (Atlantic time)
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The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador provides general information and education about the law to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with the intent of increasing access to resources, information and justice.
PLIAN has developed a number of publications about many different areas of the law: Wills and Estates; Family Law; Criminal Law; Other Areas of Law; Links and Resources
Check out PLIAN's Family Law Form Builder
publiclegalinfo.com/builder
NOTE: PLIAN is located at: 291-293 Water St. Suite 301, 4th Floor, St. John's, NL A1C 1B9.
People can access PLIAN via the Merchant Tavern entrance and then come up the stairs or elevator.
Walk-ins just call ahead to make sure someone in the office.
The Seniors and Aging Division works with other government departments and agencies to promote healthy aging across the lifespan. The Division acts as a centre of expertise and knowledge on aging and seniors.
The main functions of the Division is are to oversee the implementation of seniors and aging initiatives and adult protection.
Goals of the division include: creation of a more age-friendly province; eradication of ageism; and the protection of vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to protect themselves.
The division also serves as the secretariat for the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors (PACAS) and works with the Council, other government departments, seniors’ organizations and retiree groups, the federal government, other provinces and territories and multiple key stakeholders to achieve its goals.
1-888-494-2266
To speak with someone at the Office of the Seniors' Advocate:
Telephone: 709-729-6603
Toll-Free: 1-833-729-6603
Email: seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca
The Office of the Seniors' Advocate is an independent office of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Advocate will seek input from seniors in NL.
The Office of the Seniors' Advocate is established to work together with seniors' organizations (such as SeniorsNL), service providers, and others to identify and address systemic issues related to seniors. OSA will then determine where seniors believe gaps exist in legislation, policies, programs and services. Once gaps are identified as systemic we can complete comprehensive reviews and make recommendations as to how to address those gaps to improve seniors' services. The Office of the Seniors' Advocate will also promote awareness to the general public.
Both Offices are OPEN - St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Staff is working in both offices to serve clients for the Legal Information Line, Lawyer Referral Service, and The Journey Project by phone, email, Zoom, or in person.
In-person clients are advised to book an appointment in advance before coming into the office. Masks and contact tracing is required for all in-person clients at both offices. PLIAN working on vaccine protocol for staff, clients, in-person sessions, and community partners.
In-Person Presentations: Case by Case basis, in accordance with public health guidance and restrictions (They try to ensure Zoom sessions are offered as well).
You can reach The Journey Project team at the following:
Phone: 709-722-2805 (St. John's local)
Toll-Free/VRS: 1-833-722-2805
email: support@journeyprojectnl.com
To reach a specific Legal Support Navigator:
Janet Lee
janet@journeyprojectnl.com
Cell: 709-986-2801
Ashley MacDonald
ashley@journeyprojectnl.com
Cell: 709-986-2811
Mandy Penney
mandy@journeyprojectnl.com
Cell: 709-219-3352
If you need immediate support, the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre’s Crisis, Support, and Information Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year at 1-800-726-2743.
The Journey Project is a joint initiative of the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) and the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre (NLSACPC) . The goal is to enhance supports for survivors of sexual violence in the justice system.
Seniors do not often talk about sexual violence. Older adults do experience sexual violence. There is support!
- The Sexual Violence Legal Support Service
- Legal Support Navigation for Survivors
- Trauma-Informed Training for Stakeholders in the Justice System
Call: 1-833-722-2805
or e-mail support@journeyprojectnl.com
If individuals need support outside the hours of the service, contact the
Sexual Assault Crisis, Support and Information Line at 1-800-726-2743.
The Sexual Assault of Older Women - Criminal Justice Responses in Canada, Isabel Grant and Janine Benedet, April 19, 2018.
This presentation is is part of the project “Increasing Access to Justice for Older Adult Victims of Sexual Assault: A Capacity Building Approach”. It is funded by the Justice Canada Victims Fund. Learn more about this project on elder abuse or consult the full list of resources (see links on this page). View the recorded webinar on youtube or download the slides (link below).
There are shelters for abused women and their children in this province. These shelters have an emergency crisis line and helpful staff. The Transition Housing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL) website provides 1-800 crisis numbers, local phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for local shelters in NL.
Violence Prevention- Avalon East is one of ten ten Regional Coordinating Committees, working together with community and government agencies to end violence in homes and communities.
CONTACT by Telephone: 709-757-0137 or by E-mail: violencepreventionae@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ViolencePreventionAvalonEast/
Avalon East area (St. John`s to Mount Pearl, Bell Island, Conception Bay South, the Southern Shore to St. Shotts, and Torbay to Portugal Cove.
Violence Prevention East was formerly known as Eastern Region Committee Against Violence or ERCAV.
VP East is one of ten Regional Coordinating Committees that work to increase awareness of all forms of violence. The provincial Violence Prevention Initiative Services (through the Office for the Status of Women) supports the RCCs through a grants program and other activities.
It is a non-profit, volunteer committee, made up of individuals from both government and community. They meet regularly in the Clarenville-Bonavista area of NL to discuss issues relating to violence.
Contact by Telephone: 466-4676 or E-mail: vpe@bellaliant.com
Violence Prevention Gander and Area (VPGA), is one of ten regional coordinating committees that work to increase awareness of all forms of violence. VPGA spans the Gander New Wes Valley region, NL. This non-profit, voluntary committee meets regularly to address violence at its source and increase awareness around issues relating to violence through education, public awareness, training, inter-agency programs and initiatives that address issues of violence and abuse.
709-651-2250
Email: violencepreventionga@outlook.com
The Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) is a multi-departmental government - community partnership. This initiative is working to find long term solutions to violence against those most at risk in our society. Persons at risk include - women, children, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal women and children and other people who are vulnerable to violence because of their ethnicity, sexual orientation or economic status. The Violence Prevention Initiative is coordinated by the Office for the Status of Women. Contact the VPI at vpi@gov.nl.ca or (709) 729-5009.
Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence (BPVAV) is one of ten Regional Coordinating Committees that work to increase awareness of all forms of violence. The provincial Violence Prevention Initiative Services (through the Office for the Status of Women) supports the RCCs through a grants program and other activities.
The committee meets regularly to discuss issues relating to violence on the Burin Peninsula. They also encourage community participation in violence prevention.
Communities Against Violence- Western Avalon (CAV) is one of ten regional coordinating committees working to increase awareness of all forms of violence. The provincial Violence Prevention Initiative Services (through the Office for the Status of Women) supports the RCCs through a grants program and other activities. This organization works to end violence in Western Avalon Region.
CONTACT by Telephone: 709-596-0726 or E-mail at info@communitiesagainstviolence.org
Violence Prevention South and Central (formerly known as Central West Committee Against Violence Inc.) is one of ten Regional Coordinating Committees that work to increase awareness of all forms of violence. The provincial Violence Prevention Initiative Services (through the Office for the Status of Women) supports the RCCs through a grants program and other activities.
VPSC spans the South and Central region.
