This document aims to:

• Enhance your understanding of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Guide you on how to seek assistance.

Please be aware: This document addresses sensitive topics. If you feel upset or uncomfortable, please inform us, and we will provide alternative ways to comprehend this information.

What is abuse?

Abuse encompasses any action intended to harm another person, and it manifests in various forms.

• Physical abuse involves hurting any part of another person’s body, such as punching, kicking, hitting, or restricting the person’s movement.
• Emotional abuse includes saying hurtful things to inflict emotional pain, like screaming or making rude comments to deliberately upset someone.
• Financial abuse entails using money to control another person, such as preventing them from accessing their own funds or bank accounts.
• Sexual abuse involves discussing sexual topics or touching another person’s body without their consent, such as inappropriate comments or touching private parts.
• Cultural abuse occurs when someone exploits another person’s culture to cause harm or exert control, such as making racist comments or restricting the use of the person’s native language.

What is neglect?

Neglect occurs when a person is deprived of the care they require. Indicators of neglect include:

• Rapid weight loss or gain due to an inadequate diet.
• Wearing dirty clothes or clothes that do not fit.
• Not having needs and preferences addressed when planning or providing services.

If you believe your needs are not being met, please inform one of our workers. We are here to assist you.

What is exploitation?

Exploitation involves treating a person unfairly to gain from their work or resources. Examples of exploitation include:

• A company not compensating someone for their work if they did not agree to be a volunteer.
• A worker using a person’s disability benefits for purchases that do not benefit the individual.
• Unsolicited emails requesting personal information and bank details.

What is reasonable force?

Reasonable force is an action taken to prevent harm. We will only employ reasonable force to ensure your safety. Our workers may use reasonable force to prevent:

• Harm to yourself or others.
• Intentional damage to property.
• Being in harm’s way (e.g., if you are in the path of a falling object).

How to get help

If you experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation, it is essential to make a complaint or report an incident. We will assist you in this process.

Family members, advocates, or friends can also aid in making a complaint or reporting an incident. You can do so by:

• Informing a worker about the situation.
• Sending an email.
• Making a phone call.

If you believe we have not handled your incident or complaint appropriately, you can file a complaint about us directly with the relevant authority here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/making-complaint . We are here to support you if you decide to take this step.