This page discusses violence, abuse, neglect, coercion and exploitation of people with disability. If this brings up strong emotions or reactions for you, it is okay to stop reading and leave this page.

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If you or someone you know with disability are experiencing violence, abuse, neglect, coercion or exploitation please speak up. You can help by telling the Commissioner. To tell the Commissioner visit our make a report page.

What are violence, abuse, neglect, coercion and exploitation of people with disability?

The Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding Act 2024 (the Act) recognises that people with disability can experience serious harm and sometimes more often than other people in the community.

Below is a list of behaviour categories defined in the Act— violence, abuse, neglect, coercion and exploitation. Under each category, we have included examples to help explain what these behaviours might look like. These examples are not a complete list—there may be other behaviours that also fall within each category.

Violence

Someone is hurting you, property or things you love. They may also be threatening to hurt you, property or things you love. This might include:

  • Being hit, pushed, grabbed or restrained;
  • Being choked or held down;
  • Being scared someone might hurt you;
  • Breaking or threatening to break your property or your disability aids; or
  • Hurting or threatening to hurt your animals or other people you love.
Abuse

Someone is treating you in a harmful or disrespectful way. Abuse can take many forms:

  • Physical abuse – being hurt or handled roughly;
  • Emotional abuse – being yelled at, bullied, or constantly criticised;
  • Sexual abuse – being touched in a way you do not want, or being made to watch or do sexual things without your consent; or
  • Financial abuse – someone taking your money, pension, or belongings without permission or asking you to access these things when they should not.
Neglect

You are not getting the care or support you need. This might look like:

  • Not getting help with food, medication, or hygiene;
  • Being left alone when you need support; or
  • Being ignored when you ask for help.
Coercion

You are being pressured or forced to do something you do not want to do. For example:

  • Someone threatens to stop your support if you do not agree with them; or
  • You feel like you have no choice in decisions about your life.
Exploitation

Someone is using you for their own benefit. This could include:

  • Taking your money or belongings;
  • Making you work or do things without paying you; or
  • Using your disability to get something for themselves.