Abuse

• About abuse
• Booklet
  • Introduction
  • Indicators
  • Examples
  • Reporting
  • Checklist
  • Glossary
  • Further reading
  • Contacts
• Policy
  • Contents
  • From the minister
  • Introduction
  • Procedure
  • Procedure guides

Options for Reporting Suspected Abuse, Assault and Neglect

If abuse, assault or neglect is suspected, one option is to utilise the reporting procedures of the organisation concerned.

If a person making a report or allegation is unsatisfied with the response of an organisation or does not feel they are able to refer the matter to the organisation, they may refer the matter to:

• the Queensland Police;
• the Office of the Adult Guardian;
• the Commissioner for Children and Young People;
• a community visitor;
• the Public Advocate;
• the Ombudsman;
• the Public Trustee;
• the National Disability Service Abuse and Neglect Hotline;
• Disability Services Queensland; or, where appropriate,
• the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission.

DSQ Complaints Service

The DSQ Complaints Service accepts complaints about any disability services provided
or funded by the Department. These complaints may be about any aspect of the service
or the people providing the service. This includes complaints about neglect or abuse of
people with a disability.

To make a complaint you can email, write to or speak with:

• any DSQ staff member – staff will assist you to make your complaint by referring you
  to a Complaints Officer;
  · a regional Complaints Officer – there is a Complaints Officer in every DSQ region; or
  · the Central Office Complaints Officer.
  Telephone: 3224 4706
  TTY: 3224 8021
  Email: complain@disability.qld.gov.au for more information or to receive a
  brochure about the DSQ Complaints Service

National Disability Service Abuse and Neglect Hotline

The National Disability Service Abuse and Neglect Hotline is a telephone referral service
that accepts reports of abuse and neglect of people with a disability using governmentfunded
services.

The Hotlines refers reports of abuse and neglect to appropriate organisations for
investigation.

The Hotline is operated by People with Disabilities (NSW) Inc, an independent, nongovernment, non-profit disabilities rights organisation and funded by the Commonwealth
Department of Family and Community Services. The Hotline operates between the
hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm across Australia.

The Hotline can be used by anyone to report abuse and neglect of people with a
disability using government funded services. This includes people with a disability,
parents/carers, advocates, staff at services, health and other professionals.

The Hotline accepts anonymous reports and closely guards the privacy of people
reporting abuse.

Abuse Hotline contact points

Telephone:

1800 880 052

 (toll-free within Australia)

TTY:

1800 301 130

 (toll-free within Australia)

National Relay Service:

1800 555 677

 (toll-free within Australia)

Telephone Interpreter Service:

131 450

 (cost of a local call)

• Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.