Who can get safeguarding support?

SAFEGUARDING / WHAKAHAUMARUTIA

Safeguarding support is available to people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, violence, abuse or neglect. Specific services are available to children, disabled people and older adults.

[Source: Disability Support Services, at the Ministry of Social Development.]

Safeguarding / whakahaumarutia aims to
protect a person’s right to live safely, free from harm.

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Safeguarding services are designed to support disabled Adults at Risk, aged between 18 and 65, who are either experiencing violence, abuse or neglect, or who are at risk of violence or abuse. 

We do this through:

providing you with information and advice about the safeguarding / whakahaumarutia (or SAFA) process
providing advice about safeguarding agencies which can help you.

Safeguarding services for disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are prioritised for those receiving Disability Support Services (DSS) funded by the Ministry of Social Development or Whaikaha.
People receiving services under the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act (IDCCR) have access to specialist supports. In these cases, contact Disability Support Services (DSS) in the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
If you’re concerned about a child or a young person under the age of 18, and you’re seeking safeguarding support for that person, please contact Oranga Tamariki via their website or by phoning 0508 326 459.
If you’re an older adult aged 65 or over, or if you’re concerned about an older adult in this age group, and need safeguarding support, please contact the Elder Abuse Response Service.