Abuse, neglect and exploitation

Serious harms the NDIS safeguards against. Providers must act to prevent them and serious incidents must be reported.

What it means

Abuse, neglect and exploitation are serious harms that people with disability can be at higher risk of experiencing. The NDIS system works to prevent them and to respond when they happen. Each term means something slightly different. Abuse is harmful treatment of a person, which can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial or psychological. Neglect is failing to provide the care, support or basic needs a person relies on. Exploitation is taking unfair advantage of someone, often for financial gain or personal benefit.

People with disability may be more exposed to these harms because they can depend on others for support, may face communication barriers, or may be isolated from their community. Recognising this higher risk is an important reason the NDIS has strong safeguards in place, along with clear expectations that providers act to keep people safe.

In practice

NDIS providers and workers must actively work to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation. This includes treating people with respect, providing safe and reliable support, and taking any concerns seriously. When certain serious incidents happen, providers are required to report them to the NDIS Commission, which oversees provider conduct and can take action.

If you or someone you know is being harmed, you do not have to manage it alone. You can raise a concern or make a complaint, and you can get help and support to stay safe. This might involve speaking with a trusted person, contacting the NDIS Commission, or in an emergency contacting the police. Everyone has the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity, and speaking up is an important part of keeping that right protected.

A real example

For example, Marcus noticed that a friend's support worker was regularly borrowing money from his friend and not paying it back. He recognised this as possible financial exploitation and helped his friend raise a concern with the provider and the NDIS Commission. Taking that step meant the situation was looked into and his friend received support to protect his money.

Abuse, neglect and exploitation — FAQs

What is the difference between abuse, neglect and exploitation?
Abuse is harmful treatment of a person, such as physical, emotional, sexual or financial harm. Neglect is failing to provide necessary care, support or basic needs a person depends on. Exploitation is taking unfair advantage of someone, often for money or personal benefit. All three are serious harms the NDIS works to prevent.
Why are people with disability at higher risk of these harms?
People with disability may rely on others for support, face communication barriers, or be isolated from family and community, which can increase their exposure to harm. Recognising this higher risk is a key reason the NDIS has safeguards in place and sets clear expectations that providers and workers act to keep people safe.
What must NDIS providers do to prevent these harms?
Providers must actively work to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation by treating people with respect, delivering safe and reliable support, and taking concerns seriously. They are also required to report certain serious incidents to the NDIS Commission. Providers and their workers are expected to uphold participants' rights and safety at all times.
How do I report abuse, neglect or exploitation?
You can raise a concern or make a complaint to the provider or to the NDIS Commission, which oversees provider conduct. You can also speak with a trusted person for support. In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, contact the police. You do not have to deal with the situation on your own.
What happens after a serious incident is reported?
When a serious incident is reported to the NDIS Commission, it can look into what happened and take action to protect people and hold providers to account. The person affected can also receive help and support to stay safe. Reporting is an important safeguard that helps prevent further harm and improves the safety of supports.

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