Support for the Disability Royal Commission

8 August 2022Two men and four women from different cultural backgrounds are lined up against a light background facing ahead. Some have a vis

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission) is happening now. The Department of Social Services funds counselling and advocacy support for people with disability who:

  • have been hurt, treated badly or taken advantage of
  • are thinking about taking part in the Disability Royal Commission.

Support is free, independent and confidential.

The final date to share your story with the Disability Royal Commission is 31 December 2022.

Advocacy support

An advocate can help people with disability who have difficulty communicating or understanding how to engage with the Disability Royal Commission.

An advocate can help you tell your story, protect your rights and access other supports such as legal and financial services. They can also help family members or carers acting on your behalf.

Visit the Disability Royal Commission counselling and advocacy support page for videos and information about advocacy.

Counselling support

A counsellor can help you talk about your feelings and emotions in a safe space. Counselling support is also available to your family members, friends and carers.

Visit the Disability Royal Commission counselling and advocacy support page for videos and information to learn if counselling is right for you.

How to find support

Contact the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468. It is available 9am to 6pm weekdays, and 9am to 5pm weekends and public holidays.

If it is hard for you to hear or speak, you can call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

If you need support in a language other than English, the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National can help. You can call:

  • the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468 and ask for an interpreter
  • TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to connect you to the National Counselling and Referral Service.

Visit dss.gov.au/disability-royal-commission-support for more information, including accessible and in-language resources.

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