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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
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Help and support for violence, abuse or neglect

Help and support is available if you are experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect.

Disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are much more likely to experience violence and abuse or neglect than other New Zealanders.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, there is help available.

If it is an emergency

What information and support is available

Are you OK website

The Are You OK website external URL includes a range of resources external URL to understand unsafe relationships, identify abuse, and seek help.

Information from the New Zealand Government

There are many different types of abuse and violence. More information from the New Zealand Government on what to do in some different situations is available on:

  • Domestic and family violence external URL – Services and support for anyone experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner, family member, flatmate, friend, or carer.
  • Child abuse external URL – If you're worried a child is being abused, please report your suspicions so authorities can investigate.
  • Bullying external URL – Bullying is a form of aggressive or threatening behaviour – either online or in your community, school, or where you work or live.
  • Financial abuse external URL – Anyone can be a victim of financial abuse – find out how to recognise it, who to contact when it’s happening and how to protect yourself in the future.

Te Aorerekura – National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence

The Te Aorerekura website external URL includes information on organisations who can provide wellbeing support and information on family violence and sexual violence, including for Rainbow, Pacific and ethnic communities.

1737 – Need to talk?

1737 – Need to talk? external URL is a free service for New Zealanders feeling down, anxious, a bit overwhelmed or who just need to chat to someone. You can call 1737 or text 1737 for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Healthline

Healthline external URL provides a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week over-the-phone health service you can call for free health advice, information, and treatment from professional healthcare providers.

If you are Deaf, hearing impaired, Deafblind or speech impaired, the Healthline team can engage with the NZ Relay Services external URL to support you. Please note that NZ Relay Services are only available for limited hours.

The Disability Helpline

When you call the Disability helpline, a person with experience or knowledge of disability will answer your call 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Outside those times, calls are answered by a trained member of the Healthline team.

 external URL Get support with making a complaint

You can ask an advocate, friend, support worker, family member, or whānau to help you make a complaint.

There are also other services available that can support you.

Complaints about disability support services

Disability support services are now run by the Ministry of Social Development. To make a complaint about services, visit the Disability Support Service complaints and feedback page external URL .