During 2012-16, disability advocates reported assisting 42 people with abuse and neglect issues in an average three-month period.
Number | 42 people on average per quarter |
Trend | ≈ generally stable |
Rights under the CRPD | Governments will:
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Commitments in the State Disability Plan | The Victorian government will:
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Analysis
While the data series is fluctuating, there is an observable increase in cases relating to abuse and neglect in the final year of data, with a spike in the September 2015 quarter (figure 14). This increase may be related to the significant number of public inquiries into disability abuse that occurred at a similar time.
In 2016 both a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse in Disability Services and the Victorian Ombudsman’s Investigation into Disability Abuse Reporting were tabled. These reports identified abuse and neglect of people with disability occurs all too frequently and is significantly under-reported due to people’s fears of making complaints, and poor processes. In response, the Victorian government has announced of a ‘zero tolerance approach’ to abuse of people with disability and increased oversight powers.
Case study: Escaping Family Violence
Jing*, from an Asian background, was unable to speak or understand English. She was suffering from depression and caring for 2 children with disabilities. Jing was facing violence at home and needed access to long term secure housing and to be connected to family services. She engaged an advocate to assist with these issues. The advocate assisted Jing in completing housing application and connected her with the family violence centre. Jing was allocated a case worker and connected to services such as counselling. Unfortunately Jing was unable to find long term housing due to long waiting lists, however, she now has an emergency action plan.
*names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals