If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, assault, or neglect, help is available. The Department of Social Development provides programs to protect and support individuals in these situations.
| If you feel you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. |
Who can get help
Adults with a disability and seniors
The Adult Protection Program helps:
- Adults with disabilities: individuals 19 or older with a mental, physical, or cognitive disability that significantly limits their ability to perform daily activities.
- Seniors: individuals aged 65 and older.
This program, under the Family Services Act, helps protect adults with disabilities and seniors from abuse and neglect.
For more information, visit the Protecting seniors and adults who live with a disability from abuse and neglect page.
Children and youth
The Child and Youth Protection Program helps protect anyone under 19 years of age when their safety or well-being is at risk. This program operates under the Child and Youth Well-Being Act.
Under the act, professionals are required to report any suspected abuse or neglect. This includes physical, sexual, and mental abuse, as well as neglect.
The program focuses on the best interest of the child or youth. Whenever possible, efforts are made to keep families together.
For more information, visit the Child and Youth Protection Program page.
Other supports related to abuse, violence and assault
If you need help for situations outside of Social Development’s programs, the following resources are available:
- Unsafe or abusive relationships: Relationships can be complicated, but finding help doesn’t have to be. If you’re scared, unsure or just need to talk, 211 NB is here to help. Call 211 or visit the 211 It’s your call website for more information.
- Sexual violence: If you’ve been affected by sexual violence, there are people who can help. When you are ready, there are services and programs that can provide support, information, and help you explore options. Visit Sexual Violence NB’s (SVNB) website for help.
- Senior financial abuse: For resources and support related to financial abuse or fraud targeting seniors, visit the senior financial abuse page.
- Concerns outside of New Brunswick: If you are concerned about someone outside of New Brunswick, contact the Department of Social Services in that province or territory. Find contact information for other provinces and territories in Canada.
What is considered abuse or neglect?
Abuse and neglect can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. It can happen at home, in a care facility, or in the community. More than one type of abuse or neglect can happen at the same time.
Forms of abuse and neglect may include:
- Physical abuse (for example, slapping, pushing, hitting, etc.)
- Neglect or self neglect (for example, withholding food or health services, inadequate clothing, poor personal hygiene, etc.)
- Medication misuse (for example, withholding medication, overmedicating, etc.)
- Psychological or emotional abuse (for example, yelling, criticizing, threatening, humiliating, isolating, etc.)
- Sexual abuse (for example, any unwanted sexual act, such as touching, kissing, etc.)
- Financial abuse and exploitation (for example, theft misuse of money, exploitation of property, etc.)
For additional information, visit the PLEIS-NB (Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick) website.
Anyone can contact the Department of Social Development to report abuse or neglect involving:
- A child or youth under 19 years old
- A senior (65 years or older) or an adult with a disability (19 years or older)
There is no penalty for reporting suspected abuse, even if it turns out that you were wrong.
Contact the Department of Social Development at 1-833-733-7835. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A trained social worker will listen carefully to your concerns, ask questions, and assess the situation.
After you make a report:
- The social worker will review the information you provide to determine the appropriate next steps.
- If abuse or neglect is confirmed, the Protection Program or another support program will assist the individual.
| Please note: To protect the privacy of everyone involved, we cannot share details or outcomes after your report. We understand this may be difficult if you are worried about someone. However, please know that every report is taken seriously. |
During the call, the social worker will ask you to provide:
Your name and contact information
Details about your concerns
Information about the individual you are reporting about