Saturday, 1 October 2022, marked the third anniversary of South Australia’s Adult Safeguarding Unit, and the service expanding to respond to reports of actual or suspected abuse or mistreatment of any adult who may be vulnerable.

All adults have a right to live a life of dignity, autonomy and free of abuse or mistreatment, including from people where there is a relationship of trust or a duty of care.

In October 2019, the Unit opened to respond to reports of abuse of older people aged 65 years and over, and 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In October 2020, the Unit expanded to include responding to reports of abuse or mistreatment of adults living with disability

Over the past three years, Unit staff have received over 5,000 phone calls from people concerned about themselves or others experiencing abuse or mistreatment.

The Unit is staffed by skilled and dedicated allied health professionals with significant experience in working with people from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences. Anyone can call the Unit for free confidential advice, information and support about what help is available.

Unit staff work positively with and for the adult experiencing abuse or mistreatment, to preserve relationships that are important to them. At all times, the Unit will balance the need to intervene, with the person’s right to autonomy and self-determination.

Staff can provide support to safeguard the rights of adults experiencing abuse or mistreatment, tailored to their needs, wishes and circumstances. Safeguarding actions that the Unit can assist with may include supporting a person to report to the police or apply for an intervention order; engage support services such as aged care or NDIS services; move to safer accommodation or complete legal documentation to safeguard their financial, legal or personal affairs.

The Unit also has a strong focus on abuse prevention; educating the community to recognise signs of abuse and to reduce the risk of abuse.

If you are worried about someone and have concerns about their safety and freedom, you can contact the Adult Safeguarding Unit for free, confidential advice, support or information about what help is available.

Call 1800 372 310, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm for free, confidential advice, information and support.

For further information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/adultsafeguardingunit.