Contact the Adult Safeguarding Unit if you are concerned about the abuse or mistreatment of yourself or another person over the age of 18, living in South Australia.
Contacting us is voluntary and you can remain anonymous. You can contact us by:
- Phoning 1800 372 310 Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (except public holidays) for free, confidential advice, information and support, or
- Emailing the adultsafeguardingunit@sa.gov.au, or
- Completing the Adult Safeguarding Unit - Online contact form
Support is available if you need help talking with us. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) is a national service for people who have limited English skills. Phone 131 450.
Emergencies
The Adult Safeguarding Unit is not a crisis or emergency service. If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero) or contact emergency services.
What the Adult Safeguarding Unit can help you with
The Adult Safeguarding Unit (ASU) helps protects the rights of adults who are being abused or might be at risk. They make sure to meet each person's needs and wishes, respect their relationships, and help them while letting them make their own choices.
The ASU can assist you with:
- Confidential advice: Get confidential advice, information, and support on how to protect your or somebody else’s rights.
- Planning ahead: Referrals to services that can help you with documents to protect financial, legal, or personal affairs.
- Service referrals: Connect you to support services like aged care, NDIS or legal services for further assistance.
- Safety planning: Create personalised safety plans.
What happens when you raise a concern about yourself or someone else?
The Adult Safeguarding Unit (ASU) will assess the situation and decide the best action to take, which could include:
- Referring you to a more suitable service.
- Gathering more information to understand the concern better.
- Creating a safeguarding plan that meets your needs and wishes, or those of the person experiencing abuse.
The ASU respects human rights, choices, and important relationships, following the South Australian Charter of the Rights and Freedoms of Vulnerable Adults (PDF 84.0 KB) and the Ageing and Adult Safeguarding Act.
Other helplines and support services
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Phone 1800 737 732.
Domestic Violence Crisis Line provides assistance for women and children who are experiencing domestic or family violence. Phone 1800 800 098.
Aged Rights Advocacy Service provides free, independent and confidential support to older people receiving government-funded aged care. Phone 1800 700 600 Monday to Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm and Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm.
Disability Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia (DACSSA) provides support, information and advocacy for all people with disability, their families, friends and carers. Phone (08) 7122 6030.