Hero background preloader
Skip to main content
love and hope with no steps — Brand Assets & Logo Gallery

© Love and Hope with No Steps PTY Limited. All rights reserved. ABN- 52674 367 152 and ACN 674 367 152

Built By Getmilk.

Silent Signals: Signs a Person with Disability Might Be Experiencing Violence

Written by Ibrahim Sesay on .

Introduction

As someone committed to human rights and dignity, I’ve studied many reports, testimonies, and laws. What becomes painfully clear: people with disability are often exposed to violence in ways that go unseen. Under the NDIS, recognising those signs sooner isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for safety, legal compliance, and restoring trust.

Why People with Disability Are at Higher Risk of Violence under the NDIS

  • Dependence on others for personal care, communication, mobility, or financial matters increases vulnerability.
  • Barriers like communication difficulties, cognitive impairment, or being socially isolated make it harder to report abuse or even describe what’s happening.
  • Discrimination, stigma, or cultural misunderstandings can lead others to dismiss signs as “just part of the disability.” (This is a hidden bias: assuming the disability itself explains harms, rather than considering maltreatment.)
  • Research shows people with developmental/intellectual disabilities are abused or exploited more often, and for longer, than those without such disabilities. (AIHW)

Statistics:

  • Over 55% of people with disability aged 18–64 in Australia have experienced physical or sexual abuse since age 15 (Disability Royal Commission, 2024).
  • Lifetime exposure to violence (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, stalking) is 64% for people with disability, compared to 45% for those without disability. (Royal Commission)
  • Women with disability are almost twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared with women without disability (AIHW, 2022).

Physical Signs of Abuse or Violence

  • Unexplained or frequent bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones.
  • Injuries in various stages of healing (suggesting repeated harm).
  • Signs of restraint (marks or bruises consistent with being held down or restricted).
  • Sudden aversion to being touched, or fear of certain staff/support persons.
  • Changes in posture, limping, or other visible physical pain without clear medical cause.

Emotional and Behavioural Signs

  • Withdrawn behaviour: less social interaction, avoiding people they used to enjoy being with.
  • Anxiety, fear, panic when certain people are around.
  • Sleep disturbance, nightmares, or being unusually tired.
  • Sudden mood swings, episodes of crying, or depression.
  • Regressive behaviours such as becoming non-verbal.
  • Self-harm, or talk of wanting to harm themselves.

Changes in Daily Functioning, Independence or Support Needs

  • Decline in self-care: hygiene, grooming, feeding, toileting.
  • Skipping supports, therapy, or programs they used to attend.
  • Sudden refusal or fear to leave home or attend community activities.
  • Cognitive decline or delayed developmental progress.

Financial Exploitation or Service Misuse

  • Missing money, possessions, or assistive devices.
  • Sudden changes in banking, or someone else controlling finances without consent.
  • NDIS supports being claimed but not delivered.
  • Pressure to sign documents without proper explanation.

Barriers to Speaking Up for NDIS Participants

  • Communication barriers: lack of interpreters or assistive devices.
  • Fear of losing services or retaliation from carers.
  • Cultural or language barriers (particularly for CALD or migrant participants).
  • Lack of trust in legal systems or not knowing rights.

How Families, Support Workers, and Support Coordinators Can Help

  • Build trusting, consistent relationships.
  • Observe and document patterns of change.
  • Empower independence and decision-making.
  • Train staff in recognising abuse, trauma-informed care, and communication support.
  • Keep accurate case notes and incident reports.

Mandatory Safeguards and Reporting under the NDIS

  • Providers must report abuse, neglect, serious injury, death, or unauthorised restrictive practices to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
  • Most reportable incidents must be submitted within 24 hours.
  • Use of unauthorised restrictive practices may allow up to 5 business days if no harm occurred.
  • All providers must have an incident management system in place. (NDIS Commission)

Steps to Take if You Suspect Violence (NDIS Commission, Advocacy Services, Police)

  1. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
  2. Report concerns to the NDIS Commission (1800 035 544).
  3. Call the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1800 880 052.
  4. In NSW, contact the Ageing & Disability Abuse Helpline: 1800 628 221.
  5. Disability Advocacy NSW offers independent support: 1300 365 085.
  6. Review supports and providers with a trusted Support Coordinator.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Violence against people with disability is not a rare exception — too often it is hidden, normalised, or ignored. The statistics reveal a clear pattern: people with disability, especially women and those with cognitive impairments, face significantly higher risks.