Easy Read: Disability Abuse Advocacy Toolkit
Clear information about safety, abuse, and your rights.
This is an Easy Read page. Easy Read uses short sentences, simple words, and pictures to help people understand information.
What Is Disability Abuse?
Disability abuse is when someone hurts you, controls you, or takes advantage of you because you have a disability.
Abuse is not OK.
Types of Abuse
- Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, hurting your body
- Sexual abuse: touching you without permission
- Emotional abuse: yelling, threats, making you scared
- Money abuse: taking or controlling your money
- Restricting freedom: locking doors or stopping you leaving
Who Can Do Abuse?
- Family members
- Partners
- Support workers
- Service staff
- Health workers
- Police or authority figures
Abuse is wrong no matter who does it.
Signs Abuse Might Be Happening
Warning signs can be:
- You feel scared of someone
- You feel unsafe where you live
- You feel very sad or worried
- You have injuries you cannot explain
- Your money goes missing
If something feels wrong, it is important to tell someone.
Telling Someone About Abuse
You can tell:
When You Tell Someone
They should:
Getting Help in Australia
You can contact:
- Police - Call 000 if you are in danger
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Disability advocacy services
- Health Complaints Commissioner
- An Ombudsman
An independent advocate can help you speak up.
International Reporting
If you need to report disability abuse internationally:
International tools for reporting disability rights violations
Visit UN Reporting DirectoryThis directory helps you report to international bodies about disability rights issues.
Staying Safe
Things that can help:
You should not lose support for speaking up.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Abuse is never your fault.
One-Page Easy Read Summary
Easy Read Safety Plan
I feel unsafe when:
____________________________
People I trust:
____________________________
Who I can call for help:
____________________________
Safe places I can go:
____________________________
Things that help me feel safe:
____________________________
You can fill this in with someone you trust.
Important Message
If you are not safe right now, call 000.
You Deserve to Be Safe
You are not causing trouble. Abuse is never your fault.
You matter. You deserve safety, respect, and support.
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