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Complaints and support

Inclusive SA wants to ensure that people living with disability are safe, supported and have access to the best care possible.

Abuse and neglect of vulnerable people is a community, social, health and workforce issue. It is critical for us all to work together to recognise and fight it.

If you are concerned about how you are being treated, or how someone you know is being treated, you can lodge a confidential complaint.

What is abuse?

Abuse can be deliberate or unintentional action, or lack of action, by a trusted person.

The action (or lack of action) causes distress and/or harm to someone who may be vulnerable.

It may also lead to lost or damaged property or assets.

What does abuse look like?

The behaviours and signs of abuse can include, but are not limited to, these forms.

Physical abuse

being hit, strangled or injured on purpose
being restrained inappropriately.

Emotional abuse and coercive control

intimidation
threats
humiliation
extortion
racial abuse
verbal abuse
isolating you from friends or family
tracking your movements
jealousy
controlling your money, phone, medicine or documents
psychological abuse and gaslighting.

Sexual abuse

sexual activity with a child or another person who cannot consent
involvement in a sexual activity which is unwanted or not understood
unwanted sexual attention.

Neglect

not providing food, clothing, attention or care
withholding aids or equipment (continence, walking, hearing, vision)
putting someone at risk of infection
failing to provide access to appropriate health or social care.

Financial abuse

the theft or misuse of money, property or personal possessions
pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance.

How to make a complaint

Are you concerned about how you or someone you know is being treated?

If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero) to speak with police or ambulance services.

For non-urgent police matters phone 131 444.

One-Page Guide to Making a Report (PDF 53.8KB)

Disability care, aged care and hospital complaints

NDIS supports and services complaints

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Phone 1800 035 544

Aged care provider complaints

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

Phone 1800 951 822

Hospital or health care service complaints

Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC)

Phone 1800 232 007

Abuse or neglect of an adult

You can make a report about any adult over the age of 18 who may be vulnerable to abuse. If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero).

Report abuse or get free advice about vulnerable adults

Adult Safeguarding Unit - SA Health

Phone 1800 372 310

Help to make a complaint (advocacy groups)

Advocacy Groups in South Australia

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS)

Phone 1800 700 600

Disability Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia (DACSSA)

Phone (08) 7122 6030

National Relay Service and Interpreting Services

The National Relay Service (NRS) can help you if you are Deaf or hard of hearing, or find it hard to speak to hearing people on the phone.

The Translating and Interpreting Service is for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.