People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with disabilities are among some of the most vulnerable people in our society due to their dependence on others for care and support or because of social isolation, their place of residence or the nature of their disability.
While anyone can experience violence, abuse or neglect, people with disabilities are at greater risk. And of all people with a disability, women and girls with disabilities are at even greater risk.
As a person with a disability, you have the rights to freedom, respect, equality and dignity. You have the right to live to your full potential, to have control over your own life and to live free from abuse or neglect. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, abuse or neglect at the hands of an individual or an organisation, it is important to seek help.
In an emergency, call
triple zero
(000).
Recognising violence, abuse and neglect
Violent behaviour by a person towards another can include abusive behaviour that is physical, sexual, intimidating and forceful. People with a disability are more likely to experience violence from a carer or family member. The Victorian
Family Violence Protection Act 2008 defines
family violence
as:
(a) behaviour by a person towards a family member of that person if that behaviour is:
physically or sexually abusive
emotionally or psychologically abusive
threatening
coercive
in any other way controls or dominates the family member and causes that family member to feel fear for the safety or wellbeing of that family member or another person.
(b) Behaviour by a person that causes a child to hear or witness, or otherwise be exposed to the effects of, behaviour referred to above.
The most commonly reported forms of violence experienced by women with a disability are psychological, physical, sexual abuse, controlling behaviour and economic abuse.
Abuse is when the actions of someone violates your human rights. Abuse can be physical, mental, psychological, sexual or even financial.
Neglect is the failure by a service provider or a person caring for you to provide adequate care to you. Types of
neglect
include:
Physical neglect - failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing and protection. Supervision medical or dental care that places you at undue risk through unsafe environments or practices
Passive neglect - withholding or failure to provide the necessities of life
Wilful deprivation - wilfully denying you assistance and thereby exposing you to the risk of physical, mental or emotional harm
Emotional neglect - restricting your social, intellectual and emotional growth or wellbeing
Violence involves physical force being used to hurt, damage or kill someone.
All of these actions are in conflict with your basic human rights. None are acceptable. If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence, abuse or neglect there is help available.
Women with disabilities and violence, abuse and neglect
Women with disabilities are more often victims of violence and are less likely to know how to get help than women without disabilities. In fact, violence against women and girls with disabilities is twice as likely to occur when compared to women and girls without disabilities.
Where to go for help
There are services that can help if you are experiencing (or have experienced) violence, abuse or neglect.
Safe Steps
Safe
Steps
External Link
provides a 24 hour family violence response to women and children through a range of support services including safe house and refuge accommodation, outreach services, information and advocacy. Call
Safe Steps
on
1800 015 188
24 hours 7 days per week.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Victoria
External Link
(SACL) is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for victims and survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. This service can provide support, legal and medical advice as well as advocacy with service providers and other medical professionals. Call the Sexual Assault Crisis line on
1800 806 292
.
Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic)
Sexual Assault Services Victoria
(SASVic)
External Link
is the peak body for specialist sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services in Victoria. The website has a wide range of resources and information about sexual assault and support groups.
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
The
National Disability Abuse and Neglect
Hotline
External Link
is a telephone service for reporting cases of neglect and abuse of people with a disability. The hotline works with callers to find the best ways of dealing with the issues they report and will usually refer you to an appropriate service. Call the hotline on
1800 880 052
.
The Orange Door
The Orange
Door
External Link
is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. Each location provides access to women’s and children’s family violence services, child and family services, Aboriginal services, and services for men who use violence. A referral is not needed to access services in person or over the phone.
Visit the
Orange Door’s
website
External Link
to find a service near you.
1800 Respect
1800
Respect
External Link
is a 24-hour information, counselling and support line for anyone experiencing or seeking to support someone experiencing sexual assault or violence.
Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal
Aid
External Link
(VLA) can help with free legal advice about family violence intervention orders and with other legal problems. Call VLA on
1300 792 387
.
Disability and Family Violence Crisis Response
The
Disability and Family Violence Crisis
Response
External Link
initiative can provide
immediate
support to for women and children to enable them to access crisis accommodation or provide the supports required to enable them to remain safe in their own home. Short-term funds can be provided while the woman works with a family violence case manager to develop a longer term plan.
Call the 24-hour Family Violence Response Centre on
(03) 9322 3555
or
1800 015 188
(toll-free).
Where to get help
In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
National Disability Abuse and Neglect
Hotline
External Link
, call
1800 880 052
Safe Steps Family Violence Response
Centre
External Link
(previously the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service), call
(03) 9322 3555
or
1800 015 188
- 24 hours a day
The Orange
Door
External Link
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family
Violence
External Link
, call
1800 755 988
Women With Disabilities
Australia
External Link