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People with disabilities have legal rights that everyone must respect. They have a right to safety. They have a right to stay silent if they want. They have a right to information and support. As a supporter, you can help stand up for these rights.

Parts of the legal system

The legal system in Australia has many parts. In this article, we share links to information about five important parts of the legal system.

  1. Police, courts and prisons
    Dealing with police and the courts can be stressful. Perhaps someone has hurt you, or the person you support. Perhaps the police have charged the person you support with a crime. You can learn about your rights on the Neve page Police, courts and prisons (internal link).
  2. Protection orders
    Legal protection from domestic and family violence is available through the courts in each Australian state and territory. Depending on where you live, there are different names for these court orders, but all protection orders work everywhere in Australia. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Protection orders (internal link).
  3. Mediation
    Mediation helps people or groups who disagree find a solution without going to court. A neutral person called a mediator leads the process. Mediation can help work out childcare arrangements. It can tackle disagreements about money. It can resolve workplace conflict and discrimination claims. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Mediation (internal link).
  4. Family Court
    People go to Family Court after a relationship ends if they and their ex-partner can't agree on things like child custody and what to do with shared property. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Family Court (internal link).
  5. Child protection
    Child protection is a state or territory-based government system that aims to keep children and young people safe from abuse, neglect, and harm. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Child protection (internal link).

1800 RESPECT

If you experience violence or abuse you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling.
Call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800 RESPECT website to chat with someone online (external link).

‍To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.

How to find practical help

This section of the website lets you know where to go and what to do when you need help. People who've been hurt by violence will find advice here, but others will find it helpful too. There is information about legal support, health services, money, sex and relationships and violence and abuse. If you are in a difficult situation and don't know what to do, the strategies here can make a difference.

Find out more

Speaking up for yourself

One way to speak up for yourself is to be assertive. This means directly and politely asking for what you need and want. Being assertive is a valuable skill. It can help you communicate better, reduce stress and improve your life. Here you can learn the difference between being assertive and being passive or aggressive. You can learn how to speak up for yourself well.

Find out more

Resources.

May 7, 2024

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Disability Advocacy Network Australia

Find an Advocate

Tools and information to help you find advocacy services in your state or territory.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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Disability Australia Hub

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is when someone with disability speaks up and represents themselves. This guide shows you how.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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Family Planning NSW

Disability resources

Family Planning NSW has a wide range of resources for people with intellectual disability and their support people, including parents and carers, disability workers, clinicians and students.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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Black Dog Institute

Healthy Mind

Healthy Mind is an online Easy Read tool for building good mental health.

Check resource

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The justice system

People in our community have contact with the legal system in different ways and for various reasons. This article introduces you to the Australian legal system. It explains prisons and courts, mediation, child protection and protection orders.

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