The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect of People with Disability or the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) plans to make recommendations to prevent abuse happening in the future.
The DRC has heard from more than one thousand people. You can also share your experiences while getting support.
Advocates at People with Disability Australia, and other disability advocacy organisations, can help you work out how to tell your story and consider other aspects, like getting legal advice.
To speak to the PWDA advocacy team, email info@wayfinderhub.com.au or leave a voicemail at 1800 843 929.
In-person support is available from PWDA in New South Wales and Queensland, while resources on how to make a submission in Western Australia are available at the Share Your Story, Shape our Future website from People with Disabilities Western Australia.
If you’re in other states, you can get help from PWDA on the phone or by email.
The Your Story disability legal support service can provide legal advice on weekdays on the number 1800 771 800 if you’re making a submission, and have an FAQs page.
Counselling and support services are available, including include a trauma-informed specialist counselling service from Blue Knot Foundation for people affected by the DRC.
Blue Knot can be reached on the number 1800 421 468 during the day. People with hearing or speech impediments can call the National Relay Service instead and be put through to 02 6146 1468.
People needing support in other languages can request an interpreter from Blue Knot or be put through to Blue Knot by the free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) by calling 131 450.
The round-the-clock Lifeline crisis support service is available on 13 11 14, while Beyond Blue can be reached on 1300 224 636. Beyond Blue has a chat online service at its website in the afternoon and evenings.