Domestic Violence / Elder Abuse

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and abuse involve people in a relationship, whether they’re married, living together, dating, separated, LGBTQ+ or straight. Domestic violence and abuse can include psychological mistreatment such as name-calling or insults, stalking and harassing behavior, isolating a partner in the home, withholding money or outright assault.
Remember: Domestic violence is never okay. It is not your fault and help is available.

If you are the victim of domestic violence, call:

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.

San Francisco police are here to help

The SFPD Special Victims Unit (SVU) is located at 850 Bryant Street, fifth floor, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 1-415-553-9225.  We investigate 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.

The SFPD works closely with La Casa de las Madres. La Casa offers crisis response and support services including counseling and shelter to domestic violence victims.

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. Contact SFPD’s Crime Information Services Unit (CISU) at 1-415-575-7232 for assistance.

More resources:

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

If you are an elder who is being mistreated or you know an elder showing signs of abuse, call:

  • 9-1-1 in an emergency
  • 2-1-1 for a multilingual directory of Bay Area community services
  • 1-415-553-0123 for SFPD non-emergency support
  • 1-800-971-0016 for the Friendship Line at the Institute on Aging

San Francisco police are here to help

The SFPD 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. SVU is located at 850 Bryant Street, fifth floor, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 1-415-553-9225.

For more information on elder abuse: