Around 4.4 million Australians have disability, and research shows that people with disability are more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation than people without disability. As the Disability Royal Commission continues its public hearings, people with disability and their supporters may be thinking about sharing their experience. The Australian Government is funding counselling and advocacy support services for people with disability who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation, and anyone who is engaging with or affected by the Disability Royal Commission.
Support is free, independent and confidential. Call 1800 421 468 9am to 6pm (AEST) weekdays and 9am to 5pm (AEST) weekends and national public holidays for counselling support, information and referral, or ask to be connected to a counsellor or advocate near you. Visit the Department of Social Services’ website (https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/disability-counselling-and-advocacy-support) for more information including captioned videos, Easy Read and Auslan resources, a communications toolkit, and a full list of organisations providing counselling, advocacy, legal and financial supports for the Disability Royal Commission.