Abuse, neglect and exploitation of Aboriginal older people and adults with disability engagement project

The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) will develop culturally appropriate communications that raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the rights of adults with disability in Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The communications will focus on abuse, neglect and exploitation in their family, home and community, which primarily involves domestic and family violence. The ADC will ensure all information developed continues to be inclusive and accessible for adults with disability in NSW.

The ADC has produced and disseminated a range of resources that are accessed by the community and stakeholders via the ADC’s website and at community events. The resources include resources for Aboriginal communities, including a ‘Yarning about Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation’ booklet and poster and a Wellbeing Checklist for Aboriginal communities, which include a focus on domestic and family violence.

ADC has translated resources in 24 languages that support people from diverse communities to better understand what abuse, neglect and exploitation is and how the ADC can help. ADC has also produced accessible Easy Read information focusing on the different types of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disability and older people and an explanation of their rights and how to seek help.

The ADC has also progressed initiatives to build sustainable relationships with Aboriginal communities and to provide culturally relevant information to support and promote the right of adults with disability and older people to live free from abuse. This has included a targeted yarning circle community engagement program in north-west NSW. To make sure information is culturally relevant the ADC has undertaken engagement activities with Aboriginal communities in Goodooga, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and Walgett (Ngiyampaa, Yuwaalaraay, Murrawarri, Wailwan, and Gomeroi Country), in partnership with Seniors Rights Service, and in Grawin and Lightning Ridge (Yuwaalaraay Country) with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

In 2023-24, 3.7% of reports to the ADC related to Aboriginal adults with disability and older people, up from 2.9% in 2022-23. In relation to reports about adults with disability, the proportion that involved Aboriginal adults with disability increased from 4.6% to 4.9%.