Who can use the hotline? | Privacy | How to make a report
The Hotline can be used by anyone to report cases of abuse and neglect of people with disability whether in funded disability services or anywhere else in the community. Anyone can contact the service to report abuse and neglect of people with disability including people with disability, parents, carers, advocates, staff at services, or health, education and other professionals.
Government funded services which are used by people with disability include:
Disability Employment Services: these assist people with disabilities to gain and retain paid employment in the open labour market.
Australian Disability Enterprises: provide paid employment of people with disabilities who need substantial ongoing support to obtain or retain paid employment in congregated settings.
Accommodation Services: include group homes, hostels and large institutions as well as support services to maintain independent living through in-home support
Community acess services: help people with a disability to develop or maintain the personal and social skills and self-confidence necessary to enhance independence and self-reliance in the community.
Respite services: relieve or support (for limited periods) people with a disability living in the community and their families and carers.
Community support services: assist people with disability to integrate and participate in the community. For example, case management, attendant care, information or referral and counselling services.
Callers are encouraged to provide as much information as possible, including all relevant contact details. Where necessary, anonymous reports will be accepted.
Personal information will not be divulged to others without the authority of a caller or without a lawful excuse.
You can make a complaint simply by telephoning the Hotline on 1800 880 052 (for TTY call 1800 301 130) or sending an email to enquiries@disabilityhotline.org.
What kind of information will I need to report?
If you make a report, you will need to provide as much information as possible to enable the quick and thorough investigation of a report.
You will be encouraged to report:
You will also need to give permission for the Hotline to pass information onto other organisations which can investigate your report.
We will contact you later to find out what action has been taken and if you are satisfied with the outcome.
Contact numbers
To contact the Hotline, simply call the toll-free Hotline number 1800 880 052.
A telephone typewriter (TTY) service is available for callers with hearing impairments. To use this service, call 1800 301 130. Alternatively, phone the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
Email: enquiries@disabilityhotline.org
Callers from a non-English speaking background can also use a telephone interpreter service (TIS) by phoning 131 450.
If you think a crime has been committed or is being committed, contact your local police.
Emergency situations
In case of life threatening situations call 000 for attendance by Ambulance, Fire or Police services.
Help using the service
The staff who answer calls at the Hotline understand disability, are sensitive to the needs of people with disability and are aware of issues in the disability sector. In some instances, they will be able to provide immediate advice to callers.
Advocacy services can also be arranged for callers with disabilities who require assistance to report an allegation.
