Should you observe any signs of abuse or neglect, you must report them to the appropriate state authority.
Abuse may be physical, emotional, mental or sexual abuse, or neglect. Some signs of possible abuse include:
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Dehydration or lack of food
- Poor hygiene
- Nervous behaviour in the presence of a particular individual
- Reluctance to talk openly and avoidance of face or eye contact.
Suspected incidents of child abuse or abuse of a person with disability
If you, as the support worker, suspects any form of abuse, it is mandatory for you to report it. You should contact the relevant State authority.
- ACT – Office for Children, Youth and family Support 1300 556 729
- NSW – Department of Family and Community Service 132 111
- Northern Territory – Department of Children and Families 1800 700 250
- Queensland – Department of Communities Child Safety and Disability Services 1800 811 810
- South Australia – Department of Education and Child Development 131 478
- Tasmania – Department of Health and Human Services 1300 737 639
- Victoria – Department of Human Services 131 278 (Urgent Concerns)
- Western Australia – Department of Child Protection and Family Support 1800 622 258 or 1800 199 008 for after hours
Suspected elder abuse
Although there is no mandatory requirement to report elder abuse in any State in Australia, as a support worker operating on the Mable platform, we require that you report it as part of our ethical code of conduct.
States have set up helplines where support workers who suspect elder abuse can discuss their concerns.
- ACT – Older Persons Abuse Prevention Referral and Information Line 02 6205 3535
- NSW – NSW Elder Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221
- Northern Territory – Northern Territory Police 131 444
- Queensland – Elder Abuse Prevention Unit 1300 651 192
- South Australia – Aged Rights Advocacy Service 08 8232 5377 (Adelaide) Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse 1800 700 600 (rural)
- Tasmania – Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline 1800 441 169
- Victoria – Seniors Rights Victoria 1300 368 821
- Western Australia – Advocare Inc. 1300 724 679 (Perth) 1800 655 566 (rural)
