Trauma is when something has happened to you that made you frightened or very upset.

Everyone has different things that make us frightened or very upset. 

People with intellectual disability can experience many situations or events that can cause them trauma.

For more information see the section for People who have had trauma.

Services and supports for people who have experienced trauma include the following.

• Call the Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline if you want to tell someone about abuse, bullying or neglect you are experiencing. It is free to call them. You can call them on 1800 880 052.

• Contact the National Counselling and Referral Service – Disability if you need support after someone has hurt you or treated you badly. You can call them on 1800 421 468.

• The Speak Up and Be Safe From Abuse resources can help you to tell someone that you experienced or are experiencing abuse. They have communication boards that can help you if you find it difficult to tell someone what has happened.

• The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities is a group of people who:
  • listen to the stories of people with disability
  • tell the government how to make things better. You can let the Royal Commission know about your stories at Share your story.