People with Disabilities Safety Services

Why These Services Are Needed
People with disabilities are arguably the highest risk group for personal violence and abuse. Research reveals that people with disabilities are at least one and a half times more likely to be the victim of assault or abuse than other people of the same age and gender and up to five times more likely to experience severe abuse and multiple victimisations1. Those with intellectual disabilities are at even greater risk and are estimated at being 10 times more likely to experience abuse than non-disabled people¹.

While a number of social, cultural, economic, physical and psychological factors contribute to the vulnerability of people with disabilities, a number of factors can also assist in reducing the likelihood of victimisation. These factors include the provision of practical preventative strategies to maximise safety together with effective strategies to respond to the threat of violence or abuse.

Personal Safety Australia Safety for People with Disabilities Services are designed for adults with disabilities*, carers, disability practitioners and family and friends of people with disabilities. They aim to:

• Inform participants about the actual safety risks of people with disabilities

• Provide a range of practical strategies to reduce these risks and maximise the safety of people with disabilities in a range of environments

• Enable participants to assist people with disabilities to identify and effectively respond to potential threats to their safety

• Encourage the identification of, and effective response to, abuse

• Increase self-confidence and commitment to safety

• Develop problem-solving and assertiveness skills

• Encourage the development of a Personal Safety Plan

• Enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of people with disabilities

• Encourage people with disabilities to reach their potential.

*Suitable for adults with physical and/or mild intellectual disabilities.