There is a lack of comprehensive social protection measures and support programs to assist people with disability who are subject to exploitation, violence and abuse. People with disability have limited knowledge and access to information about social protection measures and programs, and are often reliant on others to facilitate access to these programs.
There is no overarching framework or partnership between the disability service system and social protection and support programs that are available to others in the community, such as domestic violence services, sexual health and sexual assault services, women’s support services counselling support programs and victims of crime services and supports.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, particularly in rural and remote areas are unable to access culturally appropriate support services despite the well-documented prevalence of domestic violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They are also unable to access transport, or are only offered transport for part of the distance to a support service location, which prevents them from seeking treatment and support from services that may be available to the general community.
People with disability from non-English speaking backgrounds also experience structural exclusion from both the disability and general community support systems because of the lack of culturally competent services. Stigma relating to ‘disability’ and exploitation, violence and abuse is also not addressed where this exists in some culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
