If you suspect you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, you can contact the Adult Safeguarding Unit:
You can make a report about any adult over the age of 18 who may be vulnerable to abuse. The Adult Safeguarding Unit is not an emergency/crisis service.
Dial 000 for emergencies.
We are a dedicated South Australia-wide service that can respond to concerns about adults who may be vulnerable and experiencing abuse or mistreatment.
The Unit has a strong focus on safeguarding the rights of adults vulnerable to abuse.
An adult may be vulnerable due to age, disability, ill health, social isolation, dependence on others, or other disadvantage.
The Unit provides free confidential advice, information and support.
We also take reports of actual or suspected abuse of an adult who may be vulnerable. Once a report has been received, the Unit must assess the report and take action, as outlined in the Ageing and Adult Safeguarding Act 1995.
The Adult Safeguarding Unit Code of Practice (PDF 193KB) provides an overview of the functions and operational model of the Unit.
The Code of Practice sets out how the Unit fulfils its functions in accordance with the Act and Regulations and provides practical guidance on how the Unit operates.
Anyone can call the Adult Safeguarding Unit and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
The Unit is located in Office for Ageing Well, in the Department for Health and Wellbeing.
We were established on 1 October 2019 to respond to concerns of abuse in relation to adults vulnerable to abuse aged 65 years and over, and 50 years and over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. On 1 October 2020, we expanded our remit to include adults living with a disability.
On 1 October 2022, the Unit’s service expanded further to respond to reports of abuse or mistreatment of any adult who may be vulnerable.
Anyone with questions or concerns about actual or suspected abuse of an adult who may be vulnerable, can contact the Adult Safeguarding Unit for free confidential advice, information and support.
In providing support to safeguard the rights of adults who may be vulnerable, we are able to:
Safeguarding is the action that a person, organisation or community takes to promote and protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of a person to live free from abuse or mistreatment.
The Unit provides 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:
The Unit works 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 adult’s right to autonomy and self-determination.
Reporting suspected or actual abuse to the Unit is on a voluntary basis. There is no mandatory requirement to report.
Once a report is received, the Unit must determine if it meets the minimum criteria for a report. The Unit will then assess the report to determine the most appropriate action. Actions may include:
When deciding what actions to take, the Unit must be guided by the South Australian Charter of the Rights and Freedoms of Vulnerable Adults (PDF 50KB) and the principles of the Ageing and Adult Safeguarding Act. This includes respecting a person’s human rights, choice and valued relationships.
We offer free information sessions to community groups and service providers on the following topics:
To schedule a session, contact us at health.adultsafeguardinguniteducationrequests@sa.gov.au with the following information:
Safeguarding an adult’s rights is everyone’s business.
We assist adults to access services and supports to help safeguard them against the abuse and mistreatment they are experiencing. The Unit collaborates with individuals, members of communities, service providers, government and non-government agencies and organisations to provide advice and information, as well as safeguarding responses.
The Unit delivers its services using a whole-of-community approach, based on the safeguarding required.
To effectively address abuse and mistreatment of adults, responses must be in collaboration with services and individuals. Neighbours, friends, families, community groups and local service providers are in an ideal position to identify suspected or actual abuse and support those experiencing abuse.
Our work is consent driven.
We coordinate responses to safeguard the rights of adults experiencing abuse, tailored to their needs, wishes and circumstances. We work positively with and for the adult experiencing abuse, to preserve relationships that are important to them.
Unless there is evidence that a person is unable to make decisions for themselves, we presume they can make decisions regarding their situation. This includes the decision to be supported by the Unit. The person may choose to remain in a situation where they are at risk of being mistreated or abused and understand the implications of doing so.
The responsibility of preventing abuse and mistreatment is shared by many.
There are a variety of South Australian organisations and providers offering preventative services, supports and interventions to stop abuse from occurring, and to restore people’s right to safety, dignity, respect and self-determination.
Where possible, we refer people to relevant specialist services in South Australia that can support them.
To effectively prevent and address abuse and mistreatment of adults, responses must be in collaboration with various services and individuals, including the person themselves.
The Unit provides a short-term, coordinating role to ensure engagement and cooperation between services, people and bodies to mitigate the factors contributing to the abuse the person is experiencing.
This type of coordination is not the same as case management.
We do not investigate abuse with a view to prosecuting offenders.
It is not our role to prove that the person accused of abuse or mistreatment is guilty of committing a crime.
However, if at any time through the course of our work, we believe that a criminal offence may have occurred, or is occurring, we will refer the matter to the South Australian Police.
If you have information about a criminal offence, you should report it to South Australia Police (SAPOL). For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444. In an emergency Call 000 .
We support the adult through any action and decision they choose to address their situation, environment, and relationships. This includes their right to choose to preserve their relationship with the person that has caused the abuse or mistreatment.
If you have a concern about an adult who may be experiencing abuse and or mistreatment by a service provider, please consider contacting the relevant body to report or discuss your concerns. This may include the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner.
If you suspect you or someone you know is at risk of or is being abuse you can seek advice by:
If you require assistance in contacting us, please contact:
Anyone can call the Adult Safeguarding Unit and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
The Adult Safeguarding Unit is not an emergency/crisis service. Please call one of the services below if the matter is an emergency.
