SPEAK UP & BE SAFE FROM ABUSERespite Now has many layers of process, procedures and practice, designed to safeguard and protect our clients. As per government regulation and of course aligned with Respite Now's RITCHLY Values, we have ZERO TOLERANCE for abuse of any type. Our policy and procedure are designed to ensure not only our clients are being safeguarded but our client's family, our staff and anyone we observe or who come in contact as we provide our services.
NELSON MANDELA The full quote from the above web-page header is a quote by Nelson Mandela. Someone who has come to represent much of the recent awareness and conversation about; abuse, suffering, liberty, integrity and the mantra, 'we all matter'. Below is the full wording of this powerful quote. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave person is not one who does not feel afraid, but who conquers that fear". NELSON MANDELA. This quote and the complete vision and actions of Nelson Mandela have often guided us as we have guided Respite Now to where it is today. Our RITCHLY values are an impressive and guiding set of values that are referred to and used every day in our organisation. If you are unable to 'speak up' or 'take action' when something untoward is or has been done to you, let us know so we can assist with the reporting and either remedying the problem or preventing any further abuse. Abuse can take many forms and is not just limited to violent acts. Financial, emotional (this can also be in the form of verbal abuse), sexual, mental and/or psychological, financial and cultural (abuse can happen when abusers use aspects of a your cultural identity to inflict suffering, or as a means of control) Not letting someone observe the dietary or dress customs of their faith, using racial slurs, threatening to ‘out’ someone as LGBQTI if their friends and family don’t know, or isolating someone who doesn’t speak the dominant language where they live – all of these are examples of cultural abuse and can be very subtle but non-the-less extremely hurtful and damaging to a person. Especially if they are an older person, living with a disability or a member of a minority group. Below are ways you can take action and some resources you might find helpful. Your carer or another member of the Respite Now team will be eager to help if you believe you are being abused in any way. Speak Up and be Safe from Abuse ……..you can get support In an emergency phone 000. For staff, talk to: • your manager • Victoria police to report a crime. A crime means theft, physical assault or sexual assault. For a person with a disability, talk to: • someone you trust • Victoria police to report a crime. A crime means theft, physical assault or sexual assault. Other services to help you. To call any of the services using the National Relay service (NRS). Phone 1800 555 677 National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline Telephone service for reporting cases of neglect and abuse of people with a disability. Phone 1800 880 052 (free call from land lines) Email hotline@workfocus.com Post PO Box Q687, Sydney NW 1230 Fax 02 8417 2697 Sexual Assault Crisis Line A state-wide, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays. Phone 1800 806 292 (free call from land lines) For NRS users TTY users 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 806 292 (free call from land lines) Speak & Listen users 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 806 292 Internet relay users can connect to NRS on www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 1800 806 292 Safe steps offer women, their children (family and friends) living with family violence, free access to professional support through services to enable them to become – and stay – free from violence. Phone 9928 9600 Fax 9928 9601 Email admin@safesteps.org.au Website www.safesteps.org.au Disability and Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative This DHHS service assists women and children with a disability, who require disability support, to access family violence crisis response services (to stay safe at home or to go to alternative accommodation) Phone landline 9843 6304 or 0437 741 920 Email: disabilityfv@dhs.vic.gov.au Website www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-service-providers/children,-youth-and- families/family-violence2/disability-and-family-violence-crisis-response CASA Provide crisis response and services for people who are victims/survivors of sexual assault. Phone 1800 806 292 Email ahcasa@thewomens.org.au Website www.casa.org.au For NRS users TTY users 1300 555 677 then ask for 9635 3610 Speak & Listen users 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 806 292 Internet relay users can connect to NRS on www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 1800 806 292 Disability Services Commissioner. We work with people with a disability and disability services to resolve complaints. Phone 1800 677 342 (free call from land lines) Email complaints@odsc.vic.gov.au For NRS users TTY users 1800 555 677 then 1800 677 342 Speak & Listen users 1800 555 677 then dial 1800 677 342 Website www.odsc.vic.gov.au Skype calls are available by appointment during business hours. To make an appointment you can call, TTY, fax or email us. Office of the Public Advocate Provides services to protect and promote the rights, interests and dignity of people with disability (specifically intellectual impairment, mental disorder, brain injury or dementia) living in Victoria. These services include guardianship, advice, education, information, research, advocacy and support. Phone 9603 9500 Phone 1300 309 337 TTY 1300 305 612 Email opa_advice@justice.vic.gov.au Website www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au Victorian Ombudsman You can complain to the Ombudsman about State Government departments and agencies and local councils. The first step is to talk to the agency you have the problem with, to try and fixthe problem. If that doesn’t work, you can contact us. Phone 1800 806 314 (rural and regional free call) Phone 9613 6222 (Melbourne) Email ombudvic@ombudsman.vic.gov.au |
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