Information for those with health or disability conditions

Keeping safe and secure in your home and community is important for everyone, particularly for those communities who are more vulnerable to crime or being taken advantage of.

Here are links to helpful tips on a range of safety topics relevant for the Health and Disability community.

Keeping yourself safe

Personal Safety and Security Tips - Victim Support NZ

If you become a victim of family harm or violence see the Domestic Violence and Disabled People booklet (Are you Okay?)

See our section on family violence and harm for steps you can take and support available, here.

Free phone the It’s Not OK Family Violence information line on 0800 456 450 or 2SHINE national help line on 0508 744 633 to get information and find your local family violence service.

For women, children, and families of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin, phone SHAKTI at 0800 742 584 – every day, 24 hours.

Speak to your GP, or a social worker or family support worker if you have one.

If you are being bullied or harassed, including online there is support available to help.

Netsafe – Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282, call 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723), email help@netsafe.org.nz or report online
Shine – 0508 744 633 | A free helpline to provide support to people who have been victims of family violence.
Lifeline – Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865) | A free 24 hour suicide crisis helpline operated by trained counsellors.
Youthline – Call 0800 376 633, Free TXT 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz | Youthline provides a free counselling service for young people.
OUTLine – 0800 OUTLINE (688 5463) | Outline provides a free LGBTQIA+ helpline and support service.
RainbowYOUTH – (09) 376 4155 or email info@ry.org.nz | Rainbow Youth is an advocacy and support service for queer and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) youth.
Intersex Awareness New Zealand –| Provides information and education to support intersex people and their families.

If you become a victim of sexual violence or abuse see our section on steps you can take and support available

If you think you (or a disabled or unwell person you know) are in immediate danger from harmful neglect or abuse, call 111 and ask for the Police.

If you have concerns about how you are being treated by others, contact:

Are You Okay on 0800 456 450
If you are a senior person over 60, you can call the Elder Abuse Response Service, which is a free, 24 hour service. Freephone: 0800 32 668 65 Or Text: 5032 Email: support@elderabuse.nz

See People First - NZ Police working together with people living with learning disabilities to prevent abuse

Useful websites – disability and health support services

People with disabilities and health conditions have access to specialist services to support them to live in their homes safely and participate in their communities safely. Like all health consumers and providers, you also have rights under the Health and Disability Code of Rights.

Government support services listed here assist people living with disability or health conditions and support their safety and security in a range of ways.

The Family Services Directory is an online tool that connects people with help and support. Visit here and search the phrase special needs/ disability or health to see what’s available in your region.